Stokes heaps high praise on Joe Root and debutant Matty Potts after Lord's Test win

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has heaped high praise on his predecessor Joe Root and debutant Matty Potts for their stellar performances in the Lord's Test against New Zealand.

Root smashed his 26th Test hundred on the 4th morning, and in the process, the Yorkshireman became the 2nd English cricketer and 14th overall to join the 10000-run club.

This was Root's third ton of the calendar year and his 9th since the start of 2021.

Reacting to his predecessor's historic achievement, Stokes said, "Scoring a hundred and 10,000 runs - what a player, what a man."

Stokes was also full of praise for debutant seamer Potts, who showcased his talent to the hilt in his maiden outing at the 'Home of Cricket'

Potts claimed 4-13 in 9.2 overs in the first innings, which also included the prized scalp of Kane Williamson.

He dismissed Williamson in the second innings as well and finished with figures of 3-55, rounding up his tally to seven wickets in his debut Test.

Stokes said, "He absolutely loved it. I got the opportunity to play three games, watching him progress in a Durham shirt. You saw the impact he had every time he got the ball in his hand. 

I tried to use him when I felt like I needed a wicket. He's got an amazing attitude. Young lad, fit lad. Very exciting to see. Amazing start; hopefully, it can continue."

The second Test will take place in Nottingham from June 10, and Stokes will hope that both Root and Potts continue their good work at Trent Bridge.