Nottingham, Jun 14 (IANS): England batting stalwart Joe Root's father, Matt, gave a rare insight into his son's dedication to become the best batter in the world, saying that during the difficult pandemic phase the 31-year-old used to "practice for an hour batting on one leg for balance", adding that as a kid he was ever ready to play with bat in hand.

"During COVID he (Joe) got one of the Root Academy ball feeders that we have and he'd be there for an hour batting on one leg for balance. There's a video somewhere of him doing it," Matt said on Test Match Special on Monday.

Joe Root came up with another sublime performance in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand at Nottingham scoring 176 in the first innings. This was the prolific run-getter's 27th Test ton -- and his 10th since the start of 2021.

The century was stunningly remarkable as Root had 26 boundaries and just one maximum, indicating he was willing to bide his time and not take the dangerous aerial route during his marathon 353-minute stay at the crease.

"Joe just loves batting," said Matt. "As a kid, wherever someone would bowl at him he'd be there with a bat. He just loves doing it, he just loves batting."

Root's batting will be the key on the final day of the second Test as England look to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

New Zealand lead by 238 with just three wickets remaining after Ben Stokes' side finished Day 4 strongly.