Top 10 Unknown and Amazing Facts About Joe Root
Joe Root is one of England’s most prolific and talented cricketers, renowned for his graceful batting style and consistent performances. Born on December 30, 1990, in Sheffield, England, Root rose through the ranks of domestic cricket to become a central figure in the international arena.
Root made his Test debut for England in December 2012 against India, showcasing early signs of his immense talent with a composed 73 in his first innings. Over the years, he has been a key pillar of England’s batting lineup, often playing in the crucial No. 3 or 4 positions. His technique, concentration, and ability to play both pace and spin with ease have earned him accolades worldwide.
A major highlight of Root’s career was his role in England’s rise to the top of Test cricket rankings. He became the captain of England’s Test team in 2017, following the retirement of Alastair Cook. Under his leadership, England enjoyed several notable successes, including series victories against India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Root’s elegant batting has brought him comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Known for his adaptability across all formats, he has scored over 11,000 Test runs, including over 30 centuries, placing him among the all-time greats of the game. His ODI and T20 contributions are equally impressive, though his primary reputation lies in the Test arena.
Beyond his batting, Root is also a useful part-time off-spinner, offering crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His calm demeanor and leadership qualities, combined with his on-field excellence, have made him a respected figure in international cricket.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some lesser-known aspects of Root’s life, career, and personality, uncovering ten amazing facts about the English cricketer.
Table of Contents
1. A Cricketing Legacy in the Bloodline
It might surprise some to learn that Joe Root comes from a family deeply rooted in cricket. His grandfather, Don Root, was a skilled cricketer for Yorkshire’s second XI team. His younger brother, Billy Root, has also followed in his footsteps and is a professional cricketer, currently playing for Glamorgan. Joe’s family background in cricket gave him an early exposure to the game, and it’s safe to say that the love for cricket was ingrained in him from a young age.
Root’s cricketing journey began under the guidance of his father, Matt Root, who also played a pivotal role in shaping his early career. The family’s cricketing tradition certainly laid the foundation for Joe’s future success.
2. Named After a Cricket Legend
Many fans may not know that Joe Root was named after one of the greatest cricketers of all time: Sir Vivian Richards. The Englishman’s middle name is “Edward,” which is a nod to Viv Richards, whose full name is Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards. Root’s father was a huge fan of the West Indian cricket legend, and naming his son after Richards shows the deep respect for the cricketing world.
Although Joe Root’s playing style is quite different from the flamboyant Caribbean cricketer, the fact that his middle name honors one of cricket’s most iconic figures adds an interesting layer to his personality.
3. Debut Century in a Foreign Land
Joe Root made his debut for England in 2012, and since then, he has been an instrumental part of the team’s batting lineup. But did you know that Root’s first-ever century for England came on foreign soil? His maiden Test century was against New Zealand in 2013 during a tour of the country.
In the second innings of the second Test match in Wellington, Root scored a brilliant 104. This century not only cemented his place in the England Test team but also showcased his ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions, a trait that has served him well throughout his career.
4. The Youngest English Captain to 5,000 Runs
Joe Root’s captaincy career may not have been as smooth as his batting exploits, but he achieved an impressive milestone while leading England. In 2018, he became the youngest English captain to reach 5,000 Test runs. This record was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess and his ability to shoulder responsibility even under the pressures of captaincy.
Root’s achievement placed him alongside elite company, and it was a proud moment not just for him but for English cricket as a whole. His batting records as captain stand tall, even though his tenure had its ups and downs in terms of team success.
5. A Fan of Manchester United
It’s not uncommon for cricketers to have a passion for other sports, and Joe Root is no exception. While cricket is undoubtedly his first love, Root is also a big football fan, and his favorite team is Manchester United. The Red Devils have a strong fan base around the world, and Root has often expressed his support for the English football club.
In interviews, Root has mentioned how he follows Manchester United’s progress closely and tries to catch their games whenever his cricketing schedule allows. His love for football serves as a reminder that even top athletes in one sport often find relaxation and inspiration in another.
6. The “Fab Four” Member
In modern cricket, there has been much talk about the “Fab Four” – a group of four contemporary batsmen who are considered the best in the world. The quartet includes India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and England’s Joe Root. While Kohli and Smith have garnered considerable attention for their performances, Root is often considered the understated member of this elite group.
Root’s quiet demeanor and less flamboyant personality sometimes make him fly under the radar compared to his peers, but his statistics and achievements speak volumes. He has consistently performed across all formats of the game and is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of his generation.
7. Balancing Family and Cricket
Despite his hectic cricketing schedule, Joe Root is a devoted family man. In December 2016, Root married his long-time girlfriend Carrie Cotterell, and the couple has two children, a son named Alfred William and a daughter named Isabella. Root has often spoken about the challenges of balancing his international cricket commitments with family life, especially during extended tours away from home.
In interviews, Root has shared that being away from his family is one of the hardest aspects of his job as a cricketer. However, he emphasizes that the support from his wife and children has been a driving force behind his success, helping him stay focused on the field.
8. A Sports Enthusiast Beyond Cricket
While cricket may be Joe Root’s primary sport, he is a keen sportsman with interests that go beyond the cricket field. Root enjoys playing golf in his spare time and has participated in charity golf events with fellow cricketers. His interest in sports extends to tennis as well, and he has spoken about how playing other sports helps him unwind and stay fit during the off-season.
Root’s versatility as an athlete is evident in his love for multiple sports, and it serves as a reminder that professional cricketers often engage in various physical activities to maintain their fitness and mental well-being.
9. An Unexpected Bowling Talent
Although Joe Root is known primarily for his batting, his occasional off-spin bowling has provided crucial breakthroughs for England in the past. Root is not a regular bowler, but his part-time spin has proved handy in a number of Test matches, especially when England’s frontline bowlers need a break or when conditions favor spin bowling.
One of his most memorable bowling performances came in 2014 when he took a career-best 5/8 against India at Old Trafford. His unexpected success with the ball added another dimension to his game, proving that he can contribute in multiple ways.
10. A Role Model and Mentor
Joe Root’s leadership extends beyond just his captaincy. He is regarded as a mentor to younger players in the England setup and has played an integral role in guiding the next generation of cricketers. Teammates often speak highly of Root’s approachable nature and willingness to share his experience and knowledge with others.
Root’s influence can be seen in the way young batsmen like Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley have developed under his guidance. His experience and calm demeanor make him an ideal role model, and his ability to inspire the next generation is one of his most valuable contributions to English cricket.
Joe Root is undoubtedly one of the finest cricketers of his generation, but beyond the records and accolades, he remains a humble and grounded individual. His passion for cricket, dedication to his family, and love for other sports make him a well-rounded person, while his quiet but impactful leadership style has left a lasting legacy in the cricketing world.
These ten lesser-known facts provide a glimpse into the man behind the cricketer, highlighting the depth and diversity of Joe Root’s life both on and off the field. Whether it’s his love for Manchester United, his unexpected bowling talents, or his role as a mentor, Root’s story is filled with fascinating elements that make him a truly remarkable figure in the world of sports.