Ashes 2015: England's Joe Root has no issue with Cardiff pitch
Last updated on .From the section Wales
England's Joe Root insists he has no problem with the Cardiff pitch despite criticism following the first day of the first Ashes Test against Australia.
The Swalec Stadium wicket has been described by ex-England captain Michael Vaughan as a "very, very poor cricket pitch".
Root, who led England's comeback with 134, defended the pitch.
"It's a little bit slow but I don't think it's as bad as some people made it out to be," he said.
"There's a bit of variable bounce which could help us if it continues to do that later on in the game.
"Hopefully when we get out there with the new ball we'll look to take early wickets and do what we know we can do."
Yorkshire batsman Root's century steered England to a strong position against Australia after they made a shaky start to the first Ashes Test.
The pitch was criticised in some quarters for its lack of pace, with Australia bowlers seeing some deliveries struggle to carry through to the wicketkeeper.
"Terrible Test pitch from what I've seen so far," tweeted Surrey and England bowler Chris Tremlett.
Former England bowler Derek Pringle, now a journalist, told BBC Sport: "I don't recall the pitch at Cardiff ever being quick.
"As for the groundsmen who prepare Test pitches - they are pulled in two directions.
"The chief executive of the club they work for wants the Test to go five days and get receipts from those days.
"Then, on the other hand, the England captain will want a groundsman that will prepare a pitch to help him and his players."
England will resume on 343-7 on the second day in Cardiff.
