Joe Root dreams of playing alongside brother Billy in England team

England skipper Joe Root wanted to see his brother Billy donned England colours and play alongside him for the national team. Both brothers had a short stint on the field together as Billy was the 12th man for England. However, 24-year old Billy Root’s chances of becoming a permanent feature in the English side increased after his prolific start in Nottinghamshire’s one-day squad.

Despite being in the shadow of his older brother Joe one of the finest batsmen England has ever produced, Billy has been able to make a mark for himself in county cricket. He has been focusing on his studies at Leeds Beckett University. However, his few appearances in England’s domestic tournament has shown promise.

Billy Root’s performances

Billy looked like an able left-handed batsman when he struck his maiden first-class hundred in 2016. He made a brilliant 133 for Leeds/Bradford MCCU against Sussex at Hove, reaching his hundred in Sehwag-esque fashion, with a six off George Garton. Billy also plays for Sheffield Collegiate in the Yorkshire League.

Root senior was proud of Billy, and said, “I’m extremely proud of him. It’s been a long time coming. That has been slightly down to him not quite getting it right when he’s had limited opportunities. But now he has been given a good run of games in the side, he’s scored runs, he’s had three not outs and is doing brilliantly at No.6 and of course getting a hundred not out is fantastic.

“I’m desperate for him to do well -apart from against Yorkshire. It is a dream for us to one day play together,” Joe Root added.

Billy scored an unbeaten 107 for Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire as recently as May 5. The no.6 batsman tops-scored for his side, and also in the match, in what turned out to be a 10-run victory for his side.