Root bats like a little devil

Being punched in a pub by David Warner has endeared Joe Root to England fans more than before, and it was justified by the roar he received at The Oval against Sri Lanka. Root's batting has an impudent streak to it, in contrast with his apparent soft demeanour, writes Andy Bull in the Guardian.

It sometimes seems as if Root is taking part in a school sports day rather than an international match, just because he takes such obvious pleasure in what he is doing. And his slight shoulders, smooth cheeks, and spindly arms make him look even younger than he is. Then he bats with such puppyish enthusiasm, always bouncing on his heels and bounding along for his runs as though chasing a roll of Andrex down the wicket.