Updated On: 05 June, 2022 07:39 AM IST | London | IANS
Ajaz Patel`s introduction saw the skipper slog sweep him for a six and then he went on to collect timely boundaries. Root, on the other hand, played the ideal foil as the two batters slowly started turning the game in their favour

England`s Ben Stokes (R) bumps fists with England`s Joe Root (L) after reaching a half-century (50 runs) on the third day of the first cricket Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord`s cricket ground in London. Pic/AFP
Fighting knocks from captain Ben Stokes (54) and Joe Root (77 not out) took England closer to the victory against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test, here on Saturday.
England were 216/5 at stumps on Day 3 with Root and Ben Foakes (9) unbeaten at the crease. The hosts need only 61 more runs to win the opening Test but one more wicket in the morning session on Sunday could blow this game wide open again.