Cricket: Joe Root credits Yorkshire with making him one of the world's best

Sheffield's Joe Root has thanked Yorkshire for making him the player he is, after signing a new deal which ties him to Headingley until 2019.
Yorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott MerryleesYorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott Merrylees
Yorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott Merrylees

The 25-year-old batsman, set to play only his third four-day game for Yorkshire in 18 months against Surrey on Sunday, has established himself as one of the best players in world cricket since making his Test debut for England in 2012.

That success has limited his outings for his county, but the Sheffield Collegiate product said: “I’m delighted.

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“Even though I don’t play as much as I would like for Yorkshire these days, I still get a huge buzz wearing the White Rose on my cap. I couldn’t see myself playing cricket for any other county.

“Yorkshire have given me a great education and foundation as a cricketer and without the support of the players and coaches at Headingley I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today with England.

Barnsley’s Martyn Moxon, director of cricket at Yorkshire, added: “Joe has made tremendous strides over the past few years on the international scene and is now up there amongst best players in the world.

“Even though we don’t see him representing Yorkshire that often, when he does play he brings experience, energy and skill to the side.

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“We saw that only this week at Trent Bridge in our match against Notts.

“I hope he can sign off with us with a big performance against Surrey at Headingley on Sunday.

“He is maturing into a world-class player and I am sure he will continue to achieve everything he wants starting this summer for England against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

“We’ll all be watching on hoping he and the other Yorkshire lads succeed.”