Joseph Edward Root - One of a Kind
13,543 Test match runs and counting...But Joe Root isn’t just an outstanding player on the pitch – he oozes class off it too.
There’s a certain calm that settles over the ground the moment Root walks to the crease. His technique feels as though it’s been lifted straight from the cricketing manual: a gentle tap of the bat, high hands, that subtle backward movement into his crease before pressing forward with soft hands. It’s the definition of elegance – every movement measured, in his own little bubble, as if watching in slow motion.
The biggest compliment you can give Root is that he makes batting look effortless. He’s never hurried, never flustered – just completely in control. He nurdles, nudges, and manipulates the field to his own rhythm, dictating the tempo of an innings with quiet authority. For fans and teammates alike, he brings a reassuring calm, no matter what the scoreboard says.
His catalogue of trademark shots features the crisp back-foot punch, the graceful clip through midwicket, the delicate late cut past third man, and, in recent times, the now-famous “Root scoop”. Each one perfectly executed, each one greeted with the same bellow of appreciation from the crowd.
Root is deserving of every accolade he receives. There’s no question about his natural talent, but as every top sportsman will tell you, talent without hard work is nothing. Root’s consistency, longevity and humility are a direct reflection of the effort he puts in behind the scenes.
I was lucky enough to attend the England v India Test Match at Old Trafford last year. Being the cricket badger I am, my dad and I went straight to the nets behind the temporary Party Stand as soon as the gates opened at 9 am. There were just two people in there – Marcus Trescothick throwing balls, and Joe Root batting. There’s no coincidence as to why Root is so great. He was the first to arrive (this was before the team bus had even reached the ground) and the last one out – at around 10:30.
On this particular day, he was not out overnight and, when he left the nets, he was due to resume his innings shortly. Most players in that situation would’ve headed straight back to the dressing room to prepare. But not Joe Root.
Despite being in a hurry, he stopped for photos, signed autographs, and even gave his gloves to a fan. After that, he strolled out in front of a packed Old Trafford and, with his trademark composure, notched up yet another Test century.
Things like this sum him up perfectly – a world-class player, and an even better person.
When you combine sheer quality with relentless work ethic and a genuinely kind personality, you get Joe Root. He’s the kind of sportsman young players – myself included – look up to. And with the Ashes tour coming ever closer, I have no doubt he’ll be taking the helmet off and raising his bat once again – finally silencing any doubters about his lack of a ton down under.
He stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best in world cricket – and perhaps, one day, he’ll stand above them all, right at the very top. 2379 runs to go. The chase is on…
