The R66T Academy can exclusively reveal that England and Yorkshire batter Joe Root will bat left-handed in the upcoming 2024 County Championship season.
After suffering a hand injury during England’s recent Test tour of India, the 33-year-old has made the difficult decision to stop batting right-handed and, instead, bat left-handed for the foreseeable future. This will come as a big change for the Three Lions’ No.66, but one he is relishing.
While the decision to start batting left-handed will come as a shock to the cricketing world, it has been made following careful consideration and consultation. Joe, who has scored nearly 12,000 Test runs for his county, is still committed to helping guide his club(s) and England to success.
Discussing his decision, Joe said: “I know people will be surprised by this decision, but it is something I have been thinking about for a few years now. Although it will take me some time to get used to batting left-handed, I am already working hard to perfect my style.
“Hopefully, it might confuse opposition bowlers in what promises to be a busy few months for club and country!”
In preparation for the new campaign, Joe has been training with younger brother - and now fellow left-hander - Billy Root.
Billy has enjoyed a hugely successful career so far, having scored over 5,400 runs across all three formats. During his first season with current club Glamorgan, the Yorkshireman scored a spectacular 229 against Northants in the Championship, while also hitting an unbeaten 113 in a 50-over win against Surrey.
“I’ll be honest, I was quite surprised when Joe told me he was going to start batting left-handed this season”, said Billy. “However, he has been working hard in the nets in the off-season and I am sure he will be successful this campaign.
“I always want Joe to perform well for club and country - except for when he comes up against Glamorgan, of course! I know his new style will come as a surprise to everyone, but I am confident he will continue to perform at a high level.”
Yorkshire begin their County Championship season at home to Leicestershire on Friday 5 April, with Joe potentially in line to feature. Everyone at The R66T Academy wishes Joe the best of luck in his new chapter as a left-handed batter.
