Local hero Root revives England

LEEDS: Joe Root led England's recovery as they reached 178 for four at tea on the second day of the second Test against New Zealand in Leeds on Saturday.

Root, who came in at 67 for three after England lost two wickets in two balls on that score, was 61 not out on his Headingley home ground and fellow Yorkshireman batsman Jonny Bairstow 13 not out.

Southee thought he'd reduced England to 100 for four when Bell was given out lbw for 12 by Marais Erasmus.

Bell, though, reviewed the South African umpire's decision and, with technology indicating the ball would have bounced over the stumps, he was reprieved.

New Zealand's four-man seam attack -- spinner Bruce Martin suffered a tour-ending calf injury at Lord's while Daniel Vettori was declared unfit Thursday -- kept England's fourth-wicket duo under pressure.

But the composed Root cover-drove Southee for four to evoke memories of fellow Yorkshireman and former England captain Michael Vaughan.

And when left-arm seamer Neil Wagner gave Root width, he was cut behind square for another boundary.

However, part-time off-spinner Kane Williamson had Bell, caught behind by New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum for 30.

It was the end of a stand worth 79 and England were now 146 for four.

Bell's exit brought another Yorkshireman in Bairstow to the crease and he, as had Root, received a rousing reception from his home crowd as he walked out.

And there were more cheers for Root when he completed a 90-ball fifty including five fours. (AFP)