Joe Root hails his most important ton after starring as England beat Australia to win first Ashes Test in Cardiff

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Joe Root revels in most important innings of his international career
Scored first-innings knock of 134 as England took 1-0 lead in Ashes
The 24-year-old has seven centuries in 28 Tests for England

Published: 15:06 EST, 11 July 2015 | Updated: 03:37 EST, 14 July 2015

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Man-of-the-match Joe Root hailed the most important innings of his increasingly impressive international career after England crushed Australia in Cardiff to take a 1-0 Ashes series lead.

The 24-year-old’s brilliant first-innings knock of 134 – his seventh hundred in only his 28th Test – shaped the course of the first Test after Alastair Cook’s men had slumped to 43 for three on the first morning.

‘I think it was my most important hundred in this match,’ Root said after England’s 169-run win. ‘First up in an Ashes series you want to make sure you put a marker down and get off to a good start. It’s great to get that win ahead of the rest of the series and hopefully we can back that up at Lord’s on Thursday.’

Joe Root celebrating during England's victory over Australia in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff

The 24-year-old scored brilliant first-innings knock of 134 as England secured a 1-0 series lead

Root has now scored seven centuries for England in just 28 Test appearances so far

Root followed up his brilliant first-innings hundred – which saw him dropped second ball by veteran Australia wicket-keeper Brad Haddin - with another important second-innings contribution of 60 as England continued to play the attacking style which has stood them in good stead this summer.

With 2467 runs at an average of 56.06, Root already appears on course to become one of the greatest English players of all time. His attacking style has added a new dimension to England’s batting line-up and he insists he will carry on attacking throughout the series.

‘When they (Australia) attack, it’s the best time to attack them,’ he said.

‘There are more gaps in the field. And I’ve always had people at the other end to build a partnership with, contributions from people like Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes were important and shouldn’t be forgotten.’

Root took the final catch of the match when he held on to a spiralling catch from Josh Hazlewood off Moeen Ali, who picked up three more vital wickets as England’s part-time spin duo picked up five Australian wickets as the tourists were bowled out for 242 in front of a packed SWALEC Stadium.

Root celebrates in the field after taking the match-winning catch of Josh Hazlewood on Saturday

Root celebrates with his England team-mates after their 169-run victory over Australia

‘It was nice to pick up a couple of wickets and I’m thrilled to be part of this win,’ Root added. ‘The guys have played well all week and as a team I thought we played exceptionally well.’

Captain Cook enjoyed one of his best games in charge, making some innovative field changes and trusting the unlikely spin-bowling duo to bowl England to victory. Afterwards he paid tribute to his vice-captain Root.

Cook said: ‘To score 130 on the first day of an Ashes Test match after being 40 for three was fantastic. It was a superb innings.’