Joe Root Has Brought a Lot of Calmness to Batting Unit, Says Stuart Broad

England paceman Stuart Broad hailed fast-rising batsman Joe Root after the 24-year-old held England's batting with authority on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai on Friday. (Joe Root Defiant After Pakistan Make Early Inroads)

The fast-rising Root was unbeaten on 76 to lead England's strong reply of 182-3 in reply to Pakistan's 382, trailing by 196 runs with seven wickets intact. (Scorecard)

Broad said Root has brought calmness in the team's batting.

"He's very natural against the spin," said Broad of Root. "He doesn't look panicked or rushed, he just knows his areas to score and plays it. He's got us in a good position.

"I think Joe has brought a lot of calmness to the batting unit - and Cookie, he played beautifully today and set a nice platform - but Joe brings a calmness the young guys can feed off."

England's recovery was led by Alastair Cook (65) and Root who shared a solid 113-run stand for the third wicket after Moeen Ali fell for one and Ian Bell for just four.

Broad praised Root's excellent form in 2015, having crossed 1,000 runs in the calendar year before this series.

"Joe's been in great form in 2015 - I saw Cooky and Joe's stats and they were quite similar - and he's as good a player of spin as any Englishmen that I've played with."

Cook has also crossed 1,000 runs this year during his epic 263 in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi last week.

Broad refused to compare Root with any Indian batsmen, regarded as better players of spin bowling.

"I wouldn't liken him to anyone but the way he judges length is brilliant. He doesn't look like he's in, sweeping and dancing because he's not sure what to do."

Broad said Root looks older than his years.

"He certainly looks like a senior the way he moves in the field. He's been crucial to us winning series in the past year and tomorrow, hopefully, will be his day. Because if he can be the guy we bat around, we have a few guys who make half-centuries, we should make 400-plus."

Broad paid tribute to the England bowling. "We are delighted as a bowling unit to get ten wickets on a first-day pitch for under 400. It was good to only lose three wickets for a decent score, you always say it but the next hour is the most important and tomorrow morning is probably the biggest hour in the game."