Root of success is Yorkshire's ability to harness youngsters

Root, the 19-year-old opener who hit 63 on Pro40 League debut against Essex last season, is one of a number of contracted youngsters in Yorkshire's first-team squad – the average age of which is just 24.

Former captain Anthony McGrath and wicket-keeper Gerard Brophy are the only players aged over 30 on Yorkshire's roster; and it was such a lack of experience among the ranks at Headingley which led to some predictions of relegation in 2010.

However, Yorkshire have started the County Championship season strongly and currently sit joint-top with Nottinghamshire having lost just one of their eight matches and winning three.

With the likes of 20-year-old Oliver Hannon-Dalby catching the eye, recording match figures of 6-103 and 7-122 in his early games against Warwickshire and Somerset, it could be said that the youngsters are thriving instead of struggling under the strain of being thrust into first-team action. Adam Lyth has also hit the headlines with some super batting displays and Root is eager to follow in their footsteps whenever he is given the chance.

"We've got a really good team spirit at the moment, and I'm really happy with the way it is here at Yorkshire," Root said.

"Everything is starting to come together nicely.

"We do have a young side, but everyone is pushing and driving forward together. We have a great work ethic, and a belief in each other.

"We all want each other to do well, no matter what side they're playing in – we're a really tight-knit group of players. At the minute, the first team are being very successful, and that's very pleasing to see – that's the main thing.

"If I'm a part of Yorkshire playing well then that's brilliant, but as long as the team is successful then that is what it's all about.

"I'm really excited about this season. I think we have been a surprise package for a lot of people and will continue to be so.

"But our success has not been a shock for me – we have an excellent squad and I can see it being a very successful season for Yorkshire cricket."

Andrew Gale has taken on the role of captain aged just 26, making him the youngest Yorkshire skipper in over three-quarters of a century, and Kolpak batsman Jacques Rudolph, 28, shoulders a certain amount of responsibility as a senior player and vice-captain.

"A lot of guys in the squad are now having to play different roles, because they are now becoming senior players in their mid-twenties," Root added. "That simply wouldn't be the case at other teams. In that respect it is strange, but it's going to be a good challenge – some people are going to have to stand up and assert themselves.

"That's one thing we are doing really well at the minute, helping the youngsters develop – the more experienced guys are definitely helping.

"A lot of the younger players have been around the squad for a while, getting used to the environment, but a lot of the seniors are very good with the youngsters – no-one is left out, and it's pleasing to see as a youngster. It's just what you want."

While Yorkshire's first team enjoyed such a fine start to the season, Root divided his time between second-team cricket and action for his home club, Sheffield Collegiate.

"I feel good at the crease, and it's up to me to keep working hard and improving," he said.

"If we're being successful, then it'll be hard to break into the first team – which is great. You always need challenges.

"I realise now that it's not going to happen overnight, I'm still a very inexperienced player and there's a lot about the game I'm yet to learn.

"I want to be playing first-team cricket, but whether I'm in the second team, academy team or just playing league cricket, I'm just looking to score runs and enjoy it.

"You can't rush things – you have to earn the right to play at first-team level.

"The guys in the first team at the moment have earned that right, and my ambition this season is to earn that right as well.

"I can only do that by putting in performances and playing good cricket – and if a chance comes, then I've got to grasp it with both hands."