Joe Root's younger brother Billy Root makes a name for himself

Billy Root, the brother of the English Test captain Joe Root, has struck his maiden limited-overs century, which helped his team Nottinghamshire to a 10-run win over Warwickshire at Edgbaston. While brother Joe was having a stroll in the park against neighbours Ireland, Billy was settling the scores against Warwickshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

The Outlaws made 303 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 50 overs. Root scored 107 runs in just 93 balls he had faced, in an innings that comprised of 10 boundaries and 2 over the boundary hits. He received stable support from Steven Mullany, who scored 89 runs. After Michael Lumb’s dismissal for 56, the Outlaws were struggling at 92/4. That was when Root and Mullany took the charge on the bowlers and managed to get a good total on the scoreboard.

In reply, Jonathan Trott continued his good run of form to get his 21st limited-overs century. But his efforts went in vain as the Bears fell short of the target by 11 runs. Mullany was brilliant with the ball in hand as well, dismissing Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan.

After the match, Root said, “The century just snuck up on me really. I wasn’t thinking about it, it was just a question of trying to score as many runs as possible. There were a lot of high-fives in the dressing-room which was nice. I haven’t checked my messages yet but I am sure there will be one from Joe. It’s nice to be selected for the start of a competition and then it’s your job to try to contribute and I am happy to have done so today.”

The Bears needed 49 runs in the last 5 overs, which proved too much for them. The Outlaws secured a victory in the Royal London One-Day Cup, thanks to Billy Root. If he continues this form, might as well get to see another brothers-pair in world cricket.