Joe Root a 'calming influence' as he reaches another landmark with England

Chris Woakes praised Joe Root as a “calming influence” as the Test captain returned to the England white-ball team and helped them to recover from a mini-collapse to guide them home serenely.

The raw Sri Lanka side, who had been weakened by the suspension of three frontline players, were skittled for 185 in 42.3 overs but England slumped to 80 for four at Emirates Durham before Root’s 79 not out took them past their modest target.

“There were a few hairy moments,” Woakes said. “Whenever you lose a cluster of wickets, there is always a matter of having to rebuild. We should always go on and chase that score but Joe was a calming influence. When he went out to the crease it wasn’t looking