Ashes 2015: Joe Root talks about his century for England

Joe Root says his century for England v Australia on the first day of the Ashes (8 July) was one of the most satisfying of his career.

England were 43 for three after choosing to bat first, before Root came out and bagged 134 runs, with England ending the day on 343 for seven.

"When you come into positions like that, after losing three wickets quite quickly, you're going to get opportunities to score – because they're going to have aggressive fields," Root said at a news conference.

"It could have gone completely the other way – I could have got out second ball, then you look a little bit silly – but I had that fortune today, and could cash in and make the most of it.

"And Gary was so important for us – the mental strength he showed, determination and Yorkshire grit...the way he went about things was really pleasing to watch at the other end.

"That's why he's so integral to our team."

Root said the risks were worth taking, even with the risk of a duck.

"We want to continue to do that and really put sides under pressure whenever we can.

"It's something we've been trying to work on since the start of the summer. It's an approach we took against New Zealand, and it worked out really nicely.

"Fortunately, it was my day – I was the one who managed to do it – but everyone is going to take that approach."

Root's incredible form has seen him hit more runs this year than any other player in Test cricket.