Joe Root: A performance like that just shows the quality of players at Yorkshire CCC
JOE ROOT said Yorkshire’s innings win against Surrey was proof they can challenge for the County Championship.
England’s record run-scorer signed off with a second victory in three games personally before he joins up with the Test squad.
After Yorkshire beat county cricket’s most successful side of recent times, Root was keen to stress that he and Harry Brook, his England team-mate, were not the main architects of the result.
He praised instead the collective display, one that augured well for the club going forward.
“I think, more than anything, a performance like that just shows the quality of players that we've got,” said Root, who also played in the win at Somerset and the home draw with Sussex.
“When we get it right, and when we apply ourselves in the right way and manage the game well, that's what it can look like.
“It was a very good, experienced Surrey team, with a lot of superstars that have accomplished a lot over the last couple of years, and that we beat them by an innings just shows that the quality is there, the ability is there.
“Me and ‘Brookie’ coming back gave us a bit of experience and can help in other ways, but we weren't major contributors in determining the result, so I think it shows that if we're on it and we're performing well, and we get it right and we manage the conditions well, we can definitely challenge in this competition.”
Root contributed 44 in Yorkshire’s innings, following scores of 96 against Sussex and 33 and 64 against Somerset. He chipped in with eight wickets too in his three appearances, while Brook burgled 3-11 in Surrey’s second innings, a career-best haul that included the scalp of England’s Jamie Smith.
“We’re not going to hear the end of it, are we, for a long time,” laughed Root. “‘Brookie’ was even talking about how he was using the crease, so it’s already getting a bit too much.
“No, it’s good, because if there are ways that you can affect the game and add things to affect the situation, then that’s what you pride yourself on as a player. You want to keep looking at how you can help your captain out, help the guys out and get across the line.”
Of his own batting form, Root added: “I feel pretty good, yeah. I felt like I played quite nicely this week; I just need a bit more time. Rhythm is something that I always search for, and it's not something that necessarily is there all the time.
“It sort of flips in and out, but I think with volume and having these games under my belt, I feel better for it and I'm pretty confident I'll be in a good space going into the Tests.”
As ever, Root’s love of playing for Yorkshire shone through, the 35-year-old saying he had thoroughly enjoyed this latest stint.
“It's always a pleasure to come back and play for Yorkshire,” he said.
“Whether it's being with the younger lads coming through and seeing what they're doing, seeing their progression and growth, or back with guys that I started my journey with, it’s great.
“To leave on a high, and for the guys to go into the T20 now with that confidence to take into it, is really nice.”