Cook hails 'world-class' Root post series-levelling win

Describing batsman Joe Root as a 'world-class player', England skipper Alastair Cook has admitted that batting with the former had encouraged a 'blocker like him' to go for the shots in their crushing second Test victory over Pakistan at Old Trafford on Monday.

The hosts defeated Pakistan by 330 runs in the second game to level the four-match Test series 1-1 following England's 75-run loss in the opening match at Lord's.

Chasing a mammoth target of 565, Pakistan were bundled out for 234 in their second innings with more than a day left in a match.

Root was awarded the Man of the Match as his 254-run knock was the cornerstone of England massive first innings total of 589 for eight declared.

England declared their second innings on 173 for one as Cook, who scored 105 in first innings, and star batsman Root extended the lead by remaining unbeaten on 76 and 71, respectively.

Reflecting on Root's knock, Cook observed that it was one of the best innings he had ever seen while adding that the 25-year-old had really set up the game for the hosts, the Express Tribune reported.

Cook further admitted that the vice-captain has the quality of keeping the scoreboard ticking and helping the blockers like him to play the shots.

Meanwhile, the opener was also pleased with the way his side had upped their game after performing below their level in the Lord's Test.

Cook believes his side didn't miss the opportunity to perform well with both bat and ball this time, the thing which they failed to do so in the opening match.

The two sides will next lock horns in the third Test, starting at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from August 3.