Hat-trick of rewards for Yorkshire’s Root

YORKSHIRE batsman Joe Root has a hat-trick of reasons to celebrate after one of the proudest weeks of his fledgling career.

The party started on Monday when the 21-year-old was named Cricket Writers’ Club Young Cricketer of the Year at a ceremony at London’s Plaisterers’ Hall.

Root was the tenth Yorkshireman to win the award, which last year went to his county colleague Jonny Bairstow.

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During his acceptance speech, Root dropped a hint that ultimate recognition was about to follow – that of a maiden call-up to the England Test squad.

Less than 24 hours later, the matter was confirmed as Root was named in a 16-man party for the forthcoming tour of India.

And, just to prove that things often happen in threes, Root is celebrating again after being named Professional Cricketers’ Association Young Player of the Year.

The opening batsman received his accolade at the PCA’s end-of-season awards bash in Battersea, where Nick Compton, his new England colleague, was named Player of the Year.

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Compton, the 29-year-old Somerset batsman, had a remarkable summer, scoring 1,191 County Championship runs at the Bradman-esque average of 99.

“It’s been a fantastic year,” Root reflected, “both personally and for Yorkshire.

“It was a great team effort to get promoted in the County Championship and I don’t think people could have asked any more of the lads.”

Of his England call-up, Root added: “It’s great to be selected. It’s one of those things you strive for when you are coming through.

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“I’ve not really thought about it (England) and I’ve just been trying to enjoy my cricket.

“I am just really pleased it has happened when it has and as quickly as it has.”

PCA award winners – Player of the Year: Nick Compton; Young Player of the Year: Joe Root; ECB Special Award: Bill Gordon (Surrey groundsman consultant); Twenty20 Player of the Year: Dimitri Mascarenhas; CB40 Player of the Year: Phil Mustard, ODI Player of the Summer: Alastair Cook, Test Player of the Summer: Stuart Broad, Sky Sports Sixes League winner: Gary Ballance; Team of the Year: Varun Chopra (Warwicks), Chris Nash (Sussex), Ian Bell (Warwicks), Steven Croft (Lancs), Darren Stevens (Kent), Peter Trego (Somerset), Phil Mustard (Durham), Jeetan Patel (Warwicks), Keith Barker (Warwicks), Chris Wright (Warwicks), Graham Onions (Durham).

Batsman Rory Hamilton-Brown has been released from his contract by Surrey. The 25-year-old leaves after he was granted indefinite compassionate leave from the club following the death of his close friend Tom Maynard in June.