Joe Root praises '˜wizardry' of England's Chris Woakes

Woakes, known to team-mates as ‘Wiz’ since his teenage years, lived up to his billing again as he and Root bailed out England in the second one-day international with an unbroken century stand which took them to a four-wicket win in Antigua.

Sunday’s success means the tourists can journey on to the final match in Barbados with the series already wrapped up thanks to an unassailable 2-0 lead.

It did not look that way, though, after England lost four wickets for 16 runs to spinners Ashley Nurse and Devendra Bishoo in pursuit of 226 to win.

Step forward Woakes, who joined Root for a match-winning partnership dominated by England’s No 8, who struck five fours and two sixes from 83 balls in his unbeaten 68.

Root was delighted but in no way shocked to see 28-year-old Woakes proving again what he can do.

Asked about that nickname, he said: “It’s ‘Wiz’ for wizard – he’s just a wizard.

“He just does everything exceptionally well. He’s magic, so the lads refer to him as wizard... since he was a kid, I think.

“He played it down to a tee, and made it very easy for me just to nudge and nurdle it around to make sure we were on target.”

Root more than did his bit, too, having already shared in a second-wicket stand of 86 in under 15 overs with big-hitting opener Jason Roy.

In a disjointed chase, containing only three double-figure contributions, England were heavily reliant on the Yorkshireman’s unflustered skill.

He was back at the scene of his maiden ODI century three years ago – an innings in which he broke his thumb in several places, forcing him to miss the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

This time, Root had to settle for 90 not out, and no broken bones.

There was relief on the second score then, and satisfaction on the first at shepherding England’s successful reply almost throughout after Sam Billings fell in the first over

“It was a nice change to still be there at the end,” said Root, who has been guilty of late in Test cricket of often failing to convert 50s into hundreds.

“To have got through that tough period and still be there at the end, it’s something as batsmen – when you’re chasing scores – you really pride yourself on.

“You always talk about it in the dressing room, being there at the end, making sure you’ve taken the responsibility to go and win the game, finish things off.”

England will face very different conditions back home in this summer’s Champions Trophy.

But Root still believes it is invaluable to build winning momentum and confidence, after having to work hard for their two wins in three days over the West Indies.

“Absolutely – that’s something we’ve not necessarily been brilliant at previously,” he said.

“If we’re going to compete in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy, we’re going to have to find ways of winning when it’s tough like that.

“There are always going to be times when you are up against it: ‘Can you find ways of getting out of that?’

“In both games here, I think we’ve done that very well.”

England have had to adapt at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, on the same pitch used twice which has not suited their modern methods of trying to blast past 300 come what may.

“There’s been so many good things to come out of these first two games,” added Root, ahead of Thursday’s final one-dayer.

“I hope more than anything, we all know what our roles are within the squad – leading into a major tournament – and we need to gain momentum before such a big summer for us in white-ball cricket.

“I think it’s really important now we don’t just stop at two, and we’re really clinical and try to make sure we play in the same manner when we get to Barbados.

“We’ve got to be smart, and make sure we get the job done.”

Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane could become the first overseas player to represent New South Wales in over 30 years after being named in their 13-man squad for the Sheffield Shield game against South Australia in Sydney today.

The 20-year-old, a former England Under-19 international, has caught the eye playing Sydney grade cricket for Gordon and has also worked in the New South Wales nets with former Australia international Stuart MacGill.

The last overseas player to represent New South Wales in Australia’s domestic first-class competition was former Pakistan captain Imran Khan during the 1984-85 campaign.

England and Wales Cricket Board’s lead spin-bowling coach Peter Such said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Mason. Australian State teams don’t pick overseas players lightly, especially New South Wales, as their record shows.”