Joe Root

Root is the eldest son of Helen and Matt Root and grew up in Dore, Sheffield.{{cite web |url=https://www.yorkshire.com/inspiration/features/joe-root-man-of-steel |title=Joe Root: Man of Steel |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906161739/https://www.yorkshire.com/inspiration/features/joe-root-man-of-steel |archive-date=6 September 2018 |access-date=17 March 2018 }} His younger brother Billy plays cricket for Glamorgan. Root attended Dore Primary and King Ecgbert School in Sheffield, and at 15, on a cricket sports scholarship, Worksop College as a weekly boarder.{{cite news |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/cricket/413716/EXCLUSIVE-England-s-Joe-Root-in-the-words-of-those-who-helped-him-to-the-top |title=Exclusive: England's Joe Root in the words of those who helped him to the top |work=Daily Express |date=10 July 2013 |access-date=27 July 2015 |last=Squires |first=Neil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130073921/http://www.express.co.uk/sport/cricket/413716/EXCLUSIVE-England-s-Joe-Root-in-the-words-of-those-who-helped-him-to-the-top |archive-date=30 January 2016 |url-status=live }}

Root followed in his father’s footsteps by joining Sheffield Collegiate CC, in Abbeydale Park. Former Yorkshire batsman and England captain Michael Vaughan also plied his trade at Collegiate and was a source of inspiration for Root, who became a protégé of his. Root won Player of the Tournament in the prestigious Bunbury Festival.{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Danny |title=Root is ready to branch out |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/root-is-ready-to-branch-out-397368 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107213102/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/story/397368.html |archive-date=7 November 2012 |access-date=22 January 2010 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/england/elite-player-development/england-under-19s,309009,EN.html |title=Root ready for India examination – Elite Player Development – England – News – ECB |publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board |access-date=22 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604004509/http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/england/elite-player-development/england-under-19s,309009,EN.html |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead }} Root is a supporter of Sheffield United F.C.{{cite web|title=Joe Root: Captaining England will drive me forward as a batsman|url=http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/10931346/joe-root-captaining-england-will-drive-me-forward-as-a-batsman|work=Sky Sports|access-date=22 November 2017|last=Drury|first=Sam|date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030811/http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/10931346/joe-root-captaining-england-will-drive-me-forward-as-a-batsman|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}

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Root made his Yorkshire second team debut on 18 July 2007 against Derbyshire at Abbeydale Park.{{cite web |title=Second Eleven Championship matches played by Joe Root (19) |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/204/204606/Second_Eleven_Championship_Matches.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=12 March 2024 |url-access=subscription}} He scored 57, putting on a 133 first-wicket stand with Adam Lyth.{{cite web |title=Yorkshire Second XI v Derbyshire Second XI, Abbeydale Park, Sheffield on 18th, 19th, 20th July 2007 |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/117/117676.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=12 March 2024 |url-access=subscription}} He continued to represent the academy side and was named player of the tournament as Yorkshire’s Academy won the ProARCH Trophy in Abu Dhabi.{{cite web |url=http://www.yorkshireccc.com/archive/academy_gearing_up_for_abu_dhabi_tour/index.html |title=Yorkshire Academy win Academy ARCH Trophy in Abu Dhabi : News : The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Ltd |publisher=Yorkshire County Cricket Club |access-date=22 January 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130211000307/http://www.yorkshireccc.com/archive/academy_gearing_up_for_abu_dhabi_tour/index.html |archive-date=11 February 2013 |url-status=dead }} After success at second team level, Root was given an opportunity in the first team in Yorkshire’s final Pro40 match of the season at Headingley against Essex. Root scored 63 and was top-scorer in Yorkshire’s 187–7. Although his half-century could not inspire Yorkshire to victory, Root described his debut as a "dream come true".{{cite web |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/cricket/Root-off-to-dream-start.5682987.jp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505071528/http://www.thestar.co.uk/cricket/Root-off-to-dream-start.5682987.jp |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=Root off to dream start for Tykes with half-century |work=The Star |location=Sheffield |date=28 September 2009 |last=Hall |first=Danny }}

After another man of the series performance, this time on England Under-19 duty in Bangladesh, Root signed a three-year professional contract with Yorkshire.{{cite web |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/cricket/Joe-puts-down-pro-Roots.5829540.jp |title=Joe puts down pro Roots with Yorkshire |work=The Star|location=Sheffield |date=17 November 2009|last=Hall |first=Danny }} Root was selected for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, making an unbeaten 70 in a victory against Hong Kong as England progressed to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the West Indies. Later that winter, he was sent to the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Adelaide, South Australia, to fine tune his game.{{cite web |url=http://www.dlca.com.au/ |title=Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy |work=Dlca.com.au |access-date=26 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042446/http://dlca.com.au/ |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Root’s County Championship debut against Worcestershire at New Road in April was one of 15 matches he played that year on top of his England Lions cricket team debut against Sri Lanka A. At Scarborough in August, he scored his maiden Championship hundred against Sussex. Root captained Yorkshire in the match that they won the 2014 County Championship title and helped them retain it the following year.{{cite web |url=https://yorkshireccc.com/teams/view/11/joseph-edward-root |title=Teams - Joseph Edward Root |access-date=11 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706125527/https://www.yorkshireccc.com/teams/view/11/joseph-edward-root |archive-date=6 July 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:2 05 Root hundred.jpg

In April 2022, Root was retained by the Trent Rockets for the 2022 season of The Hundred.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/60477088 |title=The Hundred 2022: latest squads as Draft picks revealed |work=BBC Sport |access-date=5 April 2022}} and on 23 December 2022 he was bought by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2023 auction.{{cite web |title=Indian Premier League: England's Sam Curran becomes most expensive IPL player |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/64074031 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=12 March 2024 |date=23 December 2022}}

{{Organize section|date=January 2017}}

In the fourth Test against India, Root became the 655th player to represent England at Test level, receiving his cap from former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood. Coming in as the number six batsman rather than his usual position as an opener, he scored 73 from 229 balls, top-scoring jointly with Kevin Pietersen.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565809.html |title=English cricket team in India – 4th Test |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311224806/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565809.html |archive-date=11 March 2014 |url-status=live }} In the second innings he made 20 not out to help England bat out the match and secure a first Test series win on Indian soil since 1984-85.

Root made his T20 debut in the second of a two-match series that followed, although he was not required to bat. He was also included in the ODI squad after Jonny Bairstow withdrew.{{cite web |date=28 December 2012 |title=Bairstow to miss India ODIs |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jonny-bairstow-to-miss-india-odis-598856 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231053716/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2012/content/current/story/598856.html |archive-date=31 December 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} Root was not required to bat on his ODI debut either, but did bowl nine overs, collecting figures of 0-51, as England won by nine runs. He made scores of 36 and 39 in the next two matches, before making his maiden ODI fifty in the fourth match of the series, although England lost by five wickets. Root finished the series with 163 runs.

Following the successful tour of India, Root was retained in the Test squad for the tour of New Zealand and was added to the previously announced ODI and T20 squads. After being an unused batsman in the third T20, he started the ODI series with two half-centuries, contributing 56 in the first game before top-scoring with 79 off 56 balls in the second. In doing so, Root became the first batsman to start his ODI career with six consecutive scores of over 30 and finished the series with 163 runs.{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=Alan |date=20 February 2013 |title=Anderson and Root deliver big win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-2012-13-569228/new-zealand-vs-england-2nd-odi-569241/match-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223111522/http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/content/current/story/605535.html |archive-date=23 February 2013 |access-date=22 February 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

In the Test series, Root continued to bat in the middle-order and in the third Test he made 45 of 176 balls before being bowled by Tim Southee. The series ended 0-0 and Root finished the series with 88 runs.

File:Joe Root fielding in the deep for ENG v AUS in 2nd ODI at Old Trafford, 2013 (9705896307).jpg

New Zealand travelled to England in the summer of 2013 and Root’s first involvement was to captain the England Lions against the Black Caps in a four-day warm-up match, where he scored 179 runs. After scoring 40 and 71 runs in the first Test at Lord’s, Root scored his maiden Test century at his home ground of Headingley, hitting 104 runs off 167 balls and became the first Yorkshire player to score their first Test century at Headingley.{{cite web|title=2nd Test, New Zealand tour of England at Leeds, May 24–28 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-new-zealand-2013/engine/match/566922.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=25 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608015029/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-new-zealand-2013/engine/match/566922.html|archive-date=8 June 2013|url-status=live}} He finished the series as England’s top scorer with 243 runs and helped his side to a 2–0 series victory. In the ODI series that followed, Root made scores of 30, 28 and 33 as England lost the series 2–1.{{cite news|title=England lose ODI series against NZ|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/22750855|work=BBC News|access-date=5 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609062054/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/22750855|archive-date=9 June 2013|url-status=live}}

Root was named in the England squad for the Champions Trophy. He featured against Sri Lanka and hit 68 runs off 55 balls in a seven-wicket loss.{{cite web|title=England lose to Sri Lanka|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/578621.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423103010/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/578621.html|archive-date=23 April 2016|url-status=live}} Root helped England to a 10-run win over New Zealand by making 38 runs off 40 balls, which secured them a place in the semi-finals.{{cite web|title=11th Match, Group A, ICC Champions Trophy at Cardiff, Jun 16 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/578624.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705085618/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/578624.html|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}} In the last four against South Africa, Root scored 48 off 71 balls as England eased to a seven-wicket win and advanced to the final.{{cite web|title=England through to the final|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566946.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=19 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715043947/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566946.html|archive-date=15 July 2017|url-status=live}} Following England’s loss to India, he was named as 12th man in the Team of the Tournament by the ICC.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/178241|title=ICC announces Team of the Tournament|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716214802/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/178241|archive-date=16 July 2019|url-status=live}}

Root was asked to opening the batting with captain Alastair Cook for the Ashes after the selectors decided to drop Nick Compton from the England side. In the first Test he made scores of 30 and 5, and took his first Test wicket when he had Ed Cowan caught in the second innings.{{cite web|title=1st Test, Australia tour of England and Scotland at Nottingham, Jul 10–14 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566932.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=14 July 2013}} In the second innings of the second Test, Root made 180 before England declared to set Australia a target of 583. In the final innings Root took the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Australia captain Michael Clarke in consecutive overs with both batters well set on 50-plus scorers. This saw Root named Man of the Match for his performance with bat and ball.{{cite web|title=2nd Test, Australia tour of England and Scotland at London, Jul 18–21 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566933.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=21 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706080444/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566933.html|archive-date=6 July 2017|url-status=live}} England retained the Ashes after a drawn third Test and victory in the fourth saw the series won, though Root did not contribute significantly to either result. He top-scored for England in the final Test to finish the series with 339 runs.

Root was selected to bat at number four for the first T20I, with Australia setting England 249 to win. Root came in with England 37-3 and scored a career-best 90 not out from 49 balls, but this was not enough to prevent a 39-run defeat. Root also played in the second game, which England won, to split the series.{{cite web|title=1st T20I (N), Australia tour of England and Scotland at Southampton, Aug 29 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566937.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201004647/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/566937.html|archive-date=1 December 2016|url-status=live}} England lost the ODI series 2–1, with Root finishing the series with 36 runs from four matches.

File:Joe root training.jpg

Root was selected for the return Ashes in Australia. He was moved back to number six for the first Test with Michael Carberry given the opening batsman role alongside Alastair Cook. Root only managed two runs from seven balls in the first innings before being caught off a Mitchell Johnson delivery. In the second innings Root made 26 not out off 86 balls before running out of partners as England collapsed to defeat.{{cite web|title=1st Test, England tour of Australia at Brisbane, Nov 21–24 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592397.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109021147/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592397.html|archive-date=9 November 2015|url-status=live}} The second Test saw Root move up to number three, filling the spot vacated by Jonathan Trott, who had returned home due to a stress related illness.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-25/jonathan-trott-returns-home-from-ashes-series-due-to-stress/5115796|title=The Ashes: Jonathan Trott returns to England with stress-related illness, will miss the rest of the series|work=ABC News|date=25 November 2013|access-date=10 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419124512/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-25/jonathan-trott-returns-home-from-ashes-series-due-to-stress/5115796|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=live}} He scored only 15 runs, which was the third highest number of runs scored by an England batsman in the first innings, in a collapse by England.{{cite web |url=http://livescores.cricket.com.au/scoreboard_2817_2.html |title=Australia vs England – 2nd Test Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |work=Livescores.cricket.com.au |access-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209173709/http://livescores.cricket.com.au/scoreboard_2817_2.html |archive-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} However, Root’s second innings showed some fight as he top scored with 87 and was unfortunate not to make a century. England went on to lose and trailed 2–0.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/25288364 |title=Ashes 2013–14: Day four catch-up – Alastair Cook loses his head |work=BBC Sport |date=8 December 2013 |access-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211073445/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/25288364 |archive-date=11 December 2013 |url-status=live }} Root was out controversially for just four in the first innings of the third Test and made 19 in the second as England lost the match and as a result relinquished the Ashes.{{cite web|title=Australia regain Ashes|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/engine/match/592399.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=17 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216164913/http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/engine/match/592399.html|archive-date=16 December 2013|url-status=live}} When England lost the fourth Test, Root was dropped for the final Test, with Yorkshire teammate Gary Ballance making his Test debut. England went on to lost the series 5-0 and Root finished the series with 192 runs.{{cite web|title=Australia vs England 4th Test|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592400.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=29 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710050102/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592400.html|archive-date=10 July 2017|url-status=live}}

Root batted at three in the first ODI, however, he only made three runs before getting out LBW. He managed to take the wicket of David Warner as Australia cruised to a six-wicket victory. England kept faith despite Root’s waning form and he played in the second ODI, but only made two runs before Mitchell Johnson trapped him in front. Root did contribute with the ball by taking the wickets of Shaun Marsh and Michael Clarke. Root was dropped for third and fourth ODIs due to his poor run of scoring, but returned for the final match, adding 55 from 86 balls. Root finished the series part of a side that lost 4–1, making 60 runs.

Root was named in the T20 side and in the first match made 32 off 24 before being caught by Aaron Finch. In the second T20 he made 18 runs in another loss, England finishing the series 3-0 losers. Root scored 61 runs in three matches.

Root was picked in the squad for the 2014 tour of West Indies. He was selected for the first ODI, he took the wicket of Kieran Powell before making 37 runs off 48 balls in England's failed attempt to chase the score. In the second ODI Root took 2 wickets before hitting 23 runs off 43 balls in the successful run chase. Root batted at number 4 in the third ODI where he made his maiden ODI century hitting 107 runs off 122 balls and also taking 1 wicket in England's 25 run win.{{cite web |last1=McGlashan |first1=Andrew |title=England survive Ramdin onslaught to take series |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-2013-14-636529/west-indies-vs-england-3rd-odi-636535/match-report |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=5 March 2014}} For this performance, Root was named Man of the Match and also received the Player of the Series award after contributing 167 runs (the highest run scorer of both teams) and 4 wickets. Due to sustaining a broken thumb in the final ODI, Root was ruled out of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.{{cite web |title=Root ruled out of World T20 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/joe-root-ruled-out-of-world-t20-726895 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=10 March 2014}}

File:Joe root.jpg

During the first ODI against Sri Lanka as part of the Sri Lankan tour in 2014, Root made 45 runs and also took 1 catch in the 81 runs win. During the fourth ODI he made 43 off 68 balls in England's loss. England lost the series 3–2 and Root finished up with 98 runs.

Following the ODI series, in the first Test Match at Lords, Root scored an unbeaten 200 off 298 balls with 16 fours and guided England to their highest Test score against Sri Lanka of 575-9d. He is the fourth youngest English batsman to score a double century.{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/wi/content/records/284143.html |title=Records | Test matches | Batting records | Youngest player to score a double hundred |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916231641/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/wi/content/records/284143.html |archive-date=16 September 2015 |url-status=live }} The series finished 1–0 to Sri Lanka and Root top scored for England with 259 runs.

Root scored his 4th Test century for England in the first Test Match against India at Trent Bridge. His unbeaten 154 helped England recover from 298–9 to post 496 as he and James Anderson shared a world record 10th wicket stand of 198. Although England went into the second innings with a lead, they were unable to force a result. In the second Test of the series, Root made 66 in England's second innings but was unable to prevent a defeat. In the third match of the series, Root made a quick fire 66 in England's second innings to help them force a result and level the series at 1–1. He hit yet another half century in the fourth Test, as England won by an innings to take a 2–1 series lead. In the final Test at the Oval, Root scored his 5th Test century scoring an unbeaten 149 to help England post a first innings score of 486 all out in reply to India's 148 all out. Root won the Man of the Match award for his performance in that Test. This resulted in England winning the match by an innings and secured a 3–1 series win. He finished the Test series with 518 runs and 1 wicket. For his performances in 2014, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/180621|title=Johnson takes top honours at LG ICC Awards 2014|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715161204/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/180621|archive-date=15 July 2019|url-status=live}}

Root had an indifferent time in the ODI series, after the first match was abandoned he made scores of 4 and 2 in the second and third ODI's. However, he made 44 in the fourth game before hitting a match winning 113 in the final game of the series. The series finished 3–1 to India and Root top scored for England making 163 runs.

Now an integral part of the English set-up, Root was selected in the 2014–15 tour to Sri Lanka to play in the 7 game ODI series. He put in a match of the match performance in the 5th ODI by making an unbeaten 104 and helping to guide England to a win that kept the series alive. In the sixth match of the series Root was again one of England's stand out performers, hitting 55. Despite this, England suffered another defeat meaning they trailed 4–2 in the series with just one game left to play. In the final game of the series, Root was again England's top scorer, this time hitting 80 although England went on to lose the match and the series 5–2.

In the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Root scored five against Australia. 46 (out of England's total of 123) versus New Zealand, a single against Scotland. He made 121 against Sri Lanka and in doing so became the youngest English player to score a century at a World Cup.{{cite web |last1=McGlashan |first1=Andrew |title=Sangakkara, Thirimanne thrash England |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2014-15-509587/england-vs-sri-lanka-22nd-match-pool-a-656441/match-report |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=28 February 2015}} However, England again suffered a heavy defeat, this time by nine wickets.

Root was selected in the England squad for the 2015 West Indies tour.

In the first Test Root continued his good run of form as he hit 83 in England's 399 first innings total. During the second innings Root scored his sixth consecutive half-century score in Tests by posting 59 before being bowled. He also bowled 13 overs and took the wickets of Darren Bravo and key man Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the last innings as the match was drawn. In the second Test Root scored his 6th Test century (also his first overseas) when he smashed 182* in 229 balls to help England reach a total of 464. This also took him past 2,000 Test runs. England wrapped the match up to win the Test and take a 1–0 lead in the series. For his performance Root was awarded the Man of the Match. He finished the series with 358 runs and 3 wickets.

In the first Test against New Zealand in 2015, Root continued his impressive form for England. He scored 98 in the first innings to help England recover from a precarious position to post 389. He again contributed in the second innings, scoring 84 to help put England in a strong position. He picked up a wicket in New Zealand's second innings as England won the match by 124 runs. In the second Test, Root was dismissed for one in the first innings and was then dismissed for a duck in the second as England lost the game, meaning the series was drawn at 1–1. He finished the Test series with 183 runs and 1 wicket.

Root was selected in a revamped ODI squad for the five-match series. In the first ODI, Root batted at 3 and scored his 5th ODI century hitting 104 off 78 balls to help England to a record 408/9 and a 210 run win. He performed more strongly in the third ODI, scoring 54, but England lost again, this time by 3 wickets. In the fourth ODI, he made his sixth ODI century by scoring 106* off 97 to help England chase a target of 350 to win the match and level the series. During this innings he passed 2,000 ODI career runs. In the fifth ODI he scored 4 in England's successful chase giving England a 3–2 series win. Root finished the series with 274 runs.{{cite web |title=New Zealand in England ODI Series, 2015 - Most runs |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/batting-most-runs-career/new-zealand-in-england-odi-series-2015-9245 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 September 2024}} In the only T20 match between the two sides he scored 68 as England went on to win by 56 runs.

Before the 2015 Ashes series began, Root was made England vice-captain.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/9847247/joe-root-announced-as-england-vice-captain-by-director-of-cricket-andrew-strauss|title=Joe Root named as England vice-captain by director of cricket Andrew Strauss|date=12 May 2015|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819153255/http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/9847247/joe-root-announced-as-england-vice-captain-by-director-of-cricket-andrew-strauss|archive-date=19 August 2017|url-status=live}} In the first Test he made a century on the first day of the Ashes series. He scored 134 off 166 balls, helping England to a total of 430. In the second innings he hit 60 runs and took the wickets of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc before making the winning catch, all of which earned him the man of the match award. England won the Test by 169 runs. In the second Test, He took the wickets of Steve Smith and Peter Nevill in the first innings. The third Test was positive for Root as he made 63 in the first innings to give England a lead before hitting 38* from 63 balls to chase England's target of 121 runs to win the Test. In the fourth Test, Root took three catches as Australia were all out for 60 in 18.3 overs, he then went on to score 130 (his eighth Test century) which made him the youngest ever English batsman to record three Ashes centuries{{cite web |last1=Jeswant |first1=Bishen |title=Australia's third-shortest, Broad's best |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-s-third-shortest-broad-s-best-906895 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=6 August 2015}} and help England to a 3–1 Ashes win. After this Test, Root reached the number one position in the ICC Test batting rankings, overtaking AB de Villiers and Steve Smith.{{cite web|last=Kombra |first=Srikant Kannoth |title=Joe Root moves to No 1 spot in test rankings|url=https://m.sportskeeda.com/cricket/joe-root-moves-to-no-1-spot-in-test-rankings|website=sportskeeda.com|date=9 August 2015}} After helping England to win the series 3–2, Root was named Man of the Series. He finished the series as England's highest run scorer making 460 runs and taking 4 wickets.

He was rested for the T20 and ODI series.

Root was selected for the England squad on the tour to the UAE in 2015 to face Pakistan. This was the first time that Root faced this opposition.

In the first Test, Root came in at number 4 and managed to score 85 off 143 balls, to help England to a total of 598/9d. In the second innings England were set 99 to win, after a shuffle in the batting order Root came in at number 3 and finished 33* off 29 balls however bad light stopped play with England needing 25 to win and the match ended as a draw. This performance elevated him from No. 3 in the ICC Player Rankings to No. 2 rising above AB de Villiers. During the second Test, Root scored 88 off 141 balls however he threw away the opportunity to convert this into a century. Root also went on to score 71 off 171 balls in the second innings and this put him up to No. 1 on the ICC Player Rankings for a second time rising above Steve Smith.{{cite web|url=http://www.theulstercricketer.com/news/root-back-as-no1-ranked-test-batsman-yasir-becomes-second-best-bowler-in-the-world/407|title=Root back as No.1 ranked Test batsman Yasir becomes second best bowler in the world|date=27 October 2015|website=Theulstercricketer.com|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233620/http://www.theulstercricketer.com/news/root-back-as-no1-ranked-test-batsman-yasir-becomes-second-best-bowler-in-the-world/407|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=live}} This also took him past 3,000 Test runs. During the third Test Root made scores of 4 and 6 in England's collapse and England succumbed to a 2–0 series loss. Root finished the series with 287 runs, England's second highest run scorer.

Having been reinstated into the ODI squad, Root batted at number 3 in the first ODI however he was out for 0. In the second ODI he supported Alex Hales's century with 63 from 77 balls to help England to a 95 run win. The third ODI Joe provided 11 runs in England's successful chase, however in the fourth ODI Root scored another half century, this time hitting 71 runs from 71 balls in England's total of 355/5, as England went on to win the game by 84 runs. Root finished a 3–1 series winner and scored 145 runs.

For his performances in 2015, he was named as 12th man in the World ODI XI by the ICC.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/182259|title=ICC Test and ODI Teams of the Year 2015 announced|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715164403/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/182259|archive-date=15 July 2019|url-status=live}}

Joe was not selected for the first T20I as England fielded an experimental side. However he was included in the second T20I and came in to bat at number 4 behind James Vince. Root made 20 runs off 16 balls in the narrow 3 run win. For the third T20, Root was promoted to bat at number 3 with Alex Hales being rested and James Vince opening. Joe scored 32 runs off 22 balls to help England to a total of 154/8. Pakistan reached this total and took the match to a Super Over which England won. Root finished the series as a 3–0 winner and scored a total of 52 runs.

Root was selected for the England squad on the 2015–16 tour to South Africa. This would be the first time Joe would face South Africa in a Test series. In the first warm up game, against an invitational XI, he scored 26 in the first innings and 37 in the second. In the second warm up game against the South African second team, he was much more prolific scoring 117 off 125 balls helping England to a total of 414-6d.

In the first Test of the series, Root made 24 off 37 balls in the first innings before being trapped lbw to Dane Piedt. During the second innings he scored a 73 off 128 balls to help England to a total of 326 and a 241 run win, taking a lead in the series. In the second Test, Joe scored 50 and 29 in a match where both teams posted 600+ runs in the first innings. Root scored his 9th Test century, scoring 110 from 139 balls, in the third Test to help England to surpass South Africa's total of 313. In the second innings (chasing 73) he hit the winning runs to ensure England won the series. This marks the first time since 2004–05 that a team has won a series in South Africa. In the fourth and final Test, Root scored 76 off 128 balls to help England to a score of 342 all out in reply to South Africa's 475. He finished the series as a 2–1 winner and was England's second highest scorer with 386 runs. For his performances in 2015, he was again named in the World Test XI by the ICC.

In the first ODI, Root scored 52 from 58 balls to help back up Jos Buttler's century on the way to England's total of 399 (their third highest ever One Day score). In the second ODI he only made 38 before being bowled. Root backed this up with his 7th ODI century scoring 125 in a losing effort in the third ODI. During the fourth ODI, Root scored 109, his second consecutive century, in another losing effort leaving the series drawn 2–2 coming into the fifth ODI. South Africa went on to win the series 3–2. Root finished as England's second highest scorer with 351 runs.

In the second T20 match, Root scored a quickfire 34 coming from just 18 balls in another losing effort to South Africa. England lost the T20 series 2–0.

Root was selected in the England squad for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. He featured in the first match against the West Indies and scored 48 from 36 balls in a losing effort. In the second match against South Africa he scored 83 off 44 balls in England's record breaking chase of 230. Root was named man of the match for this effort. In England's narrow victory against Afghanistan, Root made 12 runs before being run out. In the final group match against Sri Lanka he managed to make 25 and take a crucial catch in England's 10 run win, ensuring their place in the semi-final. England faced New Zealand in the semi-final and were set to chase 154, Root scored 27* from 22 balls to secure a place in the final. In the final against the West Indies, Root scored 54 from 37 balls in England's 155–9 and took the key wickets of Chris Gayle and Johnson Charles. However this was not enough to secure a win. Root finished the tournament as the 3rd highest scorer with 249 runs. Joe Root became only the third player after Shahid Afridi and Marlon Samuels to score a fifty and to take at least a wicket in an ICC World T20 final.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/icc-world-t20-2016-stats-england-west-indies-samuels-brathwaite-hand-wi-brilliant-second-world-t20-title |title=Samuels set records in World T20 finals |date=3 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419201837/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/icc-world-t20-2016-stats-england-west-indies-samuels-brathwaite-hand-wi-brilliant-second-world-t20-title |archive-date=19 April 2017 |url-status=live }}

Root was selected in the England squad for the Sri Lankan tour of England. In the second Test, he scored 80 to help England to a first innings total of 498/9d and eventually secure a 9 wicket win and with it, a series win.

In the fourth match of the series, Root scored 65 as England chased down Sri Lanka's target of 306 to win the match by six wickets. He played a crucial innings in the final match of the series, anchoring England's innings with 93 as they set Sri Lanka 325 to win, and England won the game by 122 runs, to win the series 3–0.

In the second Test of the series against Pakistan, Root scored 254, the highest total of his Test career and the second-highest of any English player (third-highest overall) at Old Trafford.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_innings.html?class=1;id=75;type=ground|title=Cricket Records – Records – Old Trafford, Manchester – Test matches – High scores|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618034204/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_innings.html?class=1;id=75;type=ground|archive-date=18 June 2016|url-status=live}} Root went on to receive the man of the match award for his performance as England levelled the series at 1–1. The third Test at Edgbaston was not as memorable, making just 3 in the first innings but then playing a resilient 62 in the second to help England to a total of 445/6 and eventually, a 141 run victory. The final Test was lost by 10 wickets and the series ended in a 2–2 draw. In the ODI series, Root made 61 in the first match as England recorded an opening victory. England won the second match, with Root scoring 89. In the third match, Root scored 85 as England broke the record for the highest ever ODI score, finishing on 444/3.

Root was rested for the ODI series against Bangladesh, but was included in the Test squad. In the first Test against Bangladesh, Root made 40 in the first innings and followed this up with just a single in England's second innings, although they won by 21 runs. In the second Test, Root made 56 in the first innings as England built a first innings lead, but was out for just one in the second innings as England lost the game to draw the series 1–1.

Root made 124 in England's first innings of the first Test against India as England made 537, though the match ended in a draw. For his performances in 2016, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-full-list-of-icc-awards-2016-winners/story-HwiwPQa1CPLmYV6y7hx6vM.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715171921/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-full-list-of-icc-awards-2016-winners/story-HwiwPQa1CPLmYV6y7hx6vM.html|url-status=dead|title=The full list of ICC Awards 2016 winners|date=22 December 2016|archivedate=15 July 2019|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=16 November 2021}}

Root made scores of 90 not-out and 101 in the second and third ODIs of the away series against West Indies in March 2017, with England winning the series 3–0.Twin tons round off {{cite web|title=England's comprehensive series win|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/93177/twin-tons-round-off-englands-comprehensive-series-win-alex-hales-joe-root-alzarri-joseph-cricket-news-england-in-west-indies-2017|work=Cricbuzz|date=9 March 2017 |access-date=25 November 2022}}

Root was named as part of the 'Team of the Tournament' at the 2017 Champions Trophy by the ICC,{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/421165|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622154932/https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/421165|archive-date=22 June 2019|url-status=live}} after he finished as the fourth highest run-scorer with England making the semi-final.

File:England's Stuart Broad, Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson discuss tactics.jpg

Root replaced Alastair Cook as the full-time Test captain on 13 February 2017 following the latter's resignation, making him England's 80th captain.{{cite web |title=Root named England Test captain |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/joe-root-named-england-test-captain-1082205 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213122031/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/story/1082205.html |archive-date=13 February 2017 |access-date=13 February 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} In his first match as the captain, on 6 July 2017, against South Africa at Lord's, Root scored his 12th Test century with an innings of 190. He was the sixth (and highest scoring) England player to score a Test century on captaincy debut. He also had an influence on county teammate Gary Ballance's recall to the England squad.{{cite web |title=Joe Root's stunning captaincy debut |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-v-sa-1st-day-stats-joe-root-s-stunning-captaincy-debut-1109054 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706214710/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-south-africa-2017/content/story/1109054.html |archive-date=6 July 2017 |access-date=7 July 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} England won the match to set up a 3–1 series victory. A Test-series victory over West Indies followed, in the second Test of which Root equalled AB de Villiers' record of scoring a half-century in 12 consecutive Test matches.{{cite news |title=Root equals de Villiers and the Gabriel-Roach double-act |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/root-equals-de-villiers-and-the-gabriel-roach-double-act-1117786 |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826011841/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20458041/root-equals-de-villiers-gabriel-roach-double-act |archive-date=26 August 2017}}

Root captained the English team in 2017–18 Ashes series in an unsuccessful defence of the Ashes, losing four of the five Tests. In Brisbane England batted first and scored 302 and 195, with Root's scores being 15 and 51. In the second Test at Adelaide Root's scored 9 and 67 out of totals of 227 and 233. In Perth, England scored 403 and 218, Root's scores 20 and 14, while Australia made 662/9 declared, winning the match and the series before tea on the final day. In the final match, he retired at 59 in the second innings after succumbing to gastroenteritis. He failed to convert any of his five half-centuries into centuries in the series.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/series/1072264.html?template=fixtures |title=Fixtures, Schedule |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414175215/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/series/1072264.html?template=fixtures |archivedate=14 April 2018 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 May 2018 }} His next century did not come until 10 September 2018 against India at The Oval in the second innings, where Alastair Cook also scored a century on his final Test match.{{cite web |title=Oval Test: Joe Root roars back to form with 14th Test hundred |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/oval-test-joe-root-roars-back-to-form-with-14th-test-hundred-1336946-2018-09-10 |website=India Today |access-date=19 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619212632/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/cricket/story/oval-test-joe-root-roars-back-to-form-with-14th-test-hundred-1336946-2018-09-10 |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

England drew 1–1 at home to Pakistan in a two-match series.

England bounced back and beat India 4–1. Root failed to make a score in the first four Tests, but scored 125 in the last Test. This was his first century of 2018 after going without a century in the previous three Test series (Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan). This was also Root's last game with former captain Alistair Cook. Root impressed in the preceding ODI series against India, scoring 217 runs, which included two back-to-back centuries.

Root became the first English captain to win a Test series in Sri Lanka since 2001, ending a run of 3 series in Sri Lanka without a win.{{cite web |title=Root 'can't be more proud' as England end 17-year wait for Test series win in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/root-can-t-be-more-proud-as-england-end-17-year-wait-for-test-series-win-in-sri-lanka-1391003-2018-11-18 |website=India Today |access-date=19 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619211549/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/cricket/story/root-can-t-be-more-proud-as-england-end-17-year-wait-for-test-series-win-in-sri-lanka-1391003-2018-11-18 |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Joe Root hails 'very special' Test series win over Sri Lanka after sleepless night {{!}} England in Sri Lanka 2018 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/18/joe-root-hails-very-special-test-series-win-over-sri-lanka-after-sleepless-night |website=The Guardian |access-date=19 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619211549/https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/18/joe-root-hails-very-special-test-series-win-over-sri-lanka-after-sleepless-night |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }} He scored 124 in the 2nd Test to secure a series win; his first ever Test series away win as captain.{{cite web |title=Sri Lanka v England: Joe Root says Pallekele hundred could be his best |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/46236782 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=19 June 2019 |date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619211549/https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/46236782 |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }} This was also the first away Test series win England had won since 2016.{{cite web |title=Sri Lanka whitewash a watershed moment for England captain Joe Root, says Bumble |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/26/sri-lanka-whitewash-a-watershed-moment-for-england-captain-joe-root-says-david-lloyd-8179816/ |website=Metro.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2019 |date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619211549/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/26/sri-lanka-whitewash-a-watershed-moment-for-england-captain-joe-root-says-david-lloyd-8179816/ |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

In April 2019, he was named in England's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.{{cite web |title=Jofra Archer misses World Cup cut but included to play Ireland, Pakistan |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jofra-archer-misses-initial-world-cup-cut-but-set-for-england-debut-1181187 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417102319/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1181187.html |archive-date=17 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1183273 |title=England leave out Jofra Archer from World Cup squad |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417102319/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1183273 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |url-status=live }} He had a good start to the tournament, scoring two centuries (against Pakistan and West Indies) and three fifties in England's first six matches.{{cite web |title=World Cup 2019: Joe Root becomes first Englishman to score three World Cup hundreds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/joe-root-becomes-first-englishman-to-score-three-world-cup-hundreds-5781456/lite/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=19 June 2019 |date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619212111/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/joe-root-becomes-first-englishman-to-score-three-world-cup-hundreds-5781456/lite/ |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live }} On 21 June 2019, in the match against Sri Lanka, Root played in his 250th international match for England.{{cite web |url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-27-england-vs-sri-lanka-stats-preview/ |title=ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 27): England vs Sri Lanka – Stats Preview |work=Cricket Addictor |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621090253/https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-27-england-vs-sri-lanka-stats-preview/ |archive-date=21 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

He was named in the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2019 World Cup by the ICC. They stated that "England's run machine over the years, Joe Root was the glue that held their famed batting together through the tournament. The Yorkshire batter finished as the fifth highest run-scorer of the tournament, with 556 runs from 11 innings. Root's flawless technique and ability to keep the scoreboard moving by rotating the strike and finding the boundaries when required makes him a perfect No. 3 in this line-up".{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1278701/featured|title=CWC19: Team of the Tournament|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715155631/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1278701/featured|archive-date=15 July 2019|url-status=live}}

File:Joe Root and Ben Stokes third Ashes Test of 2019, against Australia at Headingley.jpg walk out to bat on the penultimate day of the 3rd Test at Headingley.]]

Root captained England in the 2019 Ashes Series, as England and Australia drew 2–2 with Australia retaining the Ashes. Root's batting position was widely discussed in the build-up to the series, with Root eventually moving up the order to bat at three.{{cite web |date=31 July 2019 |title=Where should Joe Root bat? How many runs will Steven Smith make this series? |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ashes-predictions-where-should-joe-root-bat-how-many-runs-will-steven-smith-make-this-series-1196257 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}{{cite web |date=31 July 2019 |title=Batting at No.3 'was completely my decision' - Joe Root on Ashes batting order |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/batting-at-no-3-was-completely-my-decision-joe-root-on-ashes-batting-order-1196364 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=ESPNcricinfo}} Root made a half century in the first Test as Australia won by 251 runs,{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/report/1152846/england-vs-australia-1st-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021|title=Recent Match Report - England vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship, 1st Test {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}} while the second Test at Lord's was drawn, with Root making 14 and 0.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/scorecard/1152847/england-vs-australia-2nd-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship, 2nd Test - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}} Steve Smith, who made twin hundreds in the first Test and was a thorn in England's side throughout the previous Ashes series,{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/ashes-2017-18-player-ratings-steve-smith-relentless-remorseless-and-ultimately-peerless-1.693685|title=Ashes 2017-18 player ratings: Steve Smith relentless, remorseless - and, ultimately, peerless|website=The National| date=8 January 2018 |access-date=12 February 2020}} missed the third Test with a concussion.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/49421396|title=Ashes 2019: England must 'try to capitalise' on Steve Smith absence - Joe Root|date=21 August 2019|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2020}} England capitalised by levelling the series courtesy of an incredible one wicket win at Headingley, with Ben Stokes making 135* in a record fourth innings chase for England, Joe Root scoring 0 and 77.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/49465193|title=Ben Stokes century leads England to epic Ashes-saving win at Headingley|date=25 August 2019|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/scorecard/1152848/england-vs-australia-3rd-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship, 3rd Test - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}}

Australia retained the Ashes with a 185 run victory at Old Trafford in the fourth Test, helped by a first innings double hundred from the returning Steve Smith, as Root made scores of 71 and 0.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/scorecard/1152849/england-vs-australia-4th-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship, 4th Test - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/49627514|title=Australia retain Ashes with thrilling win over England at Old Trafford|date=8 September 2019|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2020}} England restored some pride at the Oval with a 135 run victory to conclude the series, which was drawn 2–2.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/49708021|title=Ashes 2019: England level series after beating Australia in final Test|date=15 September 2019|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2020}} Root again made a half-century but failed to score a century in the series, leading to further criticism of Root's conversion rate.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/ashes-root-of-the-matter-is-england-captain-s-lack-of-big-scores-1.897998|title=Ashes: Root of the matter is England captain's lack of big scores|website=The National| date=14 August 2019 |access-date=12 February 2020}} Root averaged just 32.50 throughout the series.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12492&type=series|title=The Ashes, 2019 Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=Cricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}}

In December 2019, in the second Test match against New Zealand, Root scored his first double century as captain of England,{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1512646 |title=Williamson, Taylor spark New Zealand recovery after Root double ton |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=2 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203163954/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1512646 |archive-date=3 December 2019 |url-status=live }} and became the first visiting captain to score a double century in New Zealand in Test cricket.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/50625500 |title=England in New Zealand: Joe Root double century gives tourists hope in Hamilton |work=BBC Sport |access-date=2 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202124945/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/50625500 |archive-date=2 December 2019 |url-status=live }}

Root captained England to a 3–1 series victory in South Africa, which he described as his 'proudest result' as captain.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/51270668|title=England in South Africa: Joe Root's side win series 3-1|date=27 January 2020|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2020}}{{cite web |date=23 January 2020 |title=Series win in South Africa would be 'proudest result' as captain - Joe Root |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/series-win-in-south-africa-would-be-proudest-result-as-captain-joe-root-1214046 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=ESPNcricinfo}} England got off to a slow start, losing the first Test at Centurion,{{cite news|last=Centurion|first=Vic Marks at|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/dec/29/joe-root-england-south-africa|title=Joe Root blames England's Test defeat on slow start and new-ball malaise|date=29 December 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=12 February 2020|issn=0261-3077}} but came back to win the series comfortably.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1590292|title=England complete comfortable victory despite van der Dussen resistance|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=12 February 2020}} In the third Test he took career best bowling figures of 4-87 as England won on a turning Port Elizabeth pitch.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/report/1185306/day/4/south-africa-vs-england-3rd-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021|title=Recent Match Report - South Africa vs England, ICC World Test Championship, 3rd Test {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2020}} Root had a consistent series with the bat, making three half-centuries,{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/27/england-cricket-player-ratings-south-africa-series-victory-12126296/|title=England player ratings from emphatic series victory over South Africa|date=27 January 2020|website=Metro|access-date=12 February 2020}} but was criticised once more for not converting his fifties into hundreds.{{cite web|url=https://theathleteshub.org/south-africa-vs-england-test-series-player-ratings/|title=South Africa vs England Test Series Player Ratings|date=31 January 2020|website=The Athletes Hub|access-date=13 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://cricviz.com/2019/08/cricviz-analysis-joe-roots-conversion-issues/|title=CricViz Analysis: Joe Root's Conversion Issues – CricViz: Cricket Intelligence and Score Predictor|last=Jones|first=Ben|date=30 August 2019|website=CricViz.com|access-date=12 February 2020}}

In order to be present for the birth of his second child, Root missed the first Test of the three match series against West Indies.{{cite web |title=Ben Stokes to captain England as Joe Root misses first West Indies Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ben-stokes-to-captain-england-as-joe-root-misses-first-west-indies-test-1225939 |access-date=25 August 2020 |website=Espncricinfo.com}} England lost the match; Root returned to captain the side to a 2–1 series victory, with his most significant innings being a score of 68 not out to set up a declaration in the final Test.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/series/19497/west-indies-in-england-2020?view=results|title=West Indies tour of England 2020|website=Espncricinfo.com|access-date=25 August 2020}}

Root captained England to a second series win of the summer with a 1–0 win in the three Test series against Pakistan: England won the first Test followed by two rain-affected draws.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/series/19495/england-v-pakistan-2020?view=results|title=Pakistan tour of England 2020|website=Espncricinfo.com|access-date=25 August 2020}}

In November 2020, Root was nominated for the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade and the award for Test cricketer of the decade.{{cite web |title=Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Joe Root nominated for ICC men's cricketer of the decade award |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/virat-kohli-kane-williamson-steven-smith-joe-root-nominated-for-icc-mens-cricketer-of-the-decade-award-1239940 |access-date=25 November 2020 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769 |title=ICC Awards of the Decade announced |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=25 November 2020}}

Root led England for the two match Test series against Sri Lanka, which was previously postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first Test, Root scored 228, his 18th Test century and his first for 13 months. For his efforts (which led to England winning by 7 wickets), he was named Man of the Match. Root's run of form continued into the second, where, by scoring 186, he became the first Englishman since David Gower to pass 150 in consecutive Tests. During the innings he also overtook Geoffrey Boycott, Kevin Pietersen and Gower to become the fourth-highest Test run-scorer for England. On 29 June 2021, in the opening fixture against Sri Lanka, Root played in his 150th ODI match.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-england-2021-1239532/england-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-1239534/match-preview |title=Off-field upheaval leaves Sri Lanka looking even more vulnerable for ODIs |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=29 June 2021}} In the same match, Root also scored his 6,000th run in ODI cricket, making him the fourth fastest player (in terms of innings) to reach 6000 runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/joe-root-surpasses-sourav-ganguly-to-become-4th-fastest-to-6000-odi-runs/777842 |title=Joe Root surpasses Sourav Ganguly to become 4th fastest to 6,000 ODI runs |work=Times Now News |date=29 June 2021 |access-date=29 June 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportstiger.com/eng-vs-sl-1st-odi-stats-review-joe-root-completes-6000-odi-runs-and-much-more/ |title=Eng vs SL 1st ODI stats review: Joe Root completes 6000 ODI runs and much more |work=SportsTiger |date=29 June 2021 |access-date=29 June 2021}}

Later in the summer, Root continued his good form in Tests, with centuries in each of the first three games in the series against India seeing him return to the top of the ICC Test batting rankings.{{cite web |date=1 September 2021 |title='Form of my life still to come': Joe Root reaches No 1 but insists he can improve |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/01/form-of-my-life-still-to-come-says-world-no-1-joe-root-england-india-cricket |access-date=16 March 2022 |website=The Guardian }} As a team England fared less well, trailing the series 2–1 when the final Test was postponed due to COVID-19.{{cite news |title=Was it right to cancel the fifth Test? |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/58517891 |access-date=16 March 2022}}

Root's good form did not continue into the 2021–22 Ashes series; though he was the leading run-scorer for England, he only managed three fifties and a top score of 89, as England lost the series 4–0.{{cite web |date=16 January 2022 |title=Shining light can't mask batting woes in Ashes horror show: England series ratings |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/the-ashes/ashes-2022-england-series-player-ratings-joe-root-joe-burns-james-anderson-ben-stokes-zak-crawley-stuart-broad/news-story/1df094465111ac933fa9ab2b75dd25c5 |access-date=16 March 2022 |website=Fox Sports }} The result saw the sacking of Chris Silverwood as head-coach of the England team,{{cite web |date=3 February 2022 |title=England sack Chris Silverwood with Strauss to pick interim head coach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/03/england-cricket-head-coach-chris-silverwood-sacked-ecb |access-date=16 March 2022 |website=The Guardian }} and calls for Root to step down as captain.{{cite news |date=28 December 2021 |title=Root should step down as England captain, says Boycott |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/root-should-step-down-england-captain-says-boycott-2021-12-28/ |access-date=16 March 2022}} However, he was retained for the away series against West Indies, scoring a second-innings century in the drawn First Test, taking his tally of 100s to 24, and clear second place on the list England Test centurions.{{cite web |date=12 March 2022 |title=Joe Root century sets up aggressive declaration in Antigua |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-west-indies-england-antigua-alastair-cook-b2034540.html |access-date=16 March 2022 |website=The Independent }}

On 4 January 2022, at the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney, he captained England for the 60th time taking the record for the most Test matches as England captain.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/individual/most_matches_as_captain.html?class=1;id=1;type=team|title=England Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|website=Cricinfo|access-date=5 January 2022}} On 15 April 2022, having captained England 64 times, Root resigned as Test captain stating: "It has been the most challenging decision I have had to make in my career but having discussed this with my family and those closest to me; I know the timing is right".{{cite news |date=15 April 2022 |title=Joe Root resigns as England Test cricket captain after torrid run |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/apr/15/joe-root-resigns-as-england-test-cricket-captain-after-torrid-run |access-date=15 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/121926/joe-root-steps-down-as-england-test-captain|title=Joe Root steps down as England Test captain|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=15 April 2022}}

In the second innings of the first Test match of the 2022 series against New Zealand, he scored 115*, which helped England chase down 277 runs. As a result of this performance, he was awarded the Man of the Match.{{cite web|title=Milestone man Root stars in England's win|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/122499/milestone-man-root-stars-in-englands-win|work=Cricbuzz|date=5 June 2022 |access-date=25 November 2022}} In the second Test match of the series, he scored 176 runs in the first innings. In the third Test match, he scored 86* in England's second innings to help England chase down 296 runs. Throughout the series, he scored a total of 396 runs in six innings, at an average of 99, and was awarded the Player of the Series.{{cite web|title=England wrap up series in 5.3 overs on fifth morning|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/123806/oval-test-england-wrap-up-series-in-5.3-overs-on-fourth-morning|work=Cricbuzz|date=12 September 2022 |access-date=25 November 2022}}{{cite web|title=Imperious Bairstow gives England thumping win in Leeds|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/122839/imperious-bairstow-gives-england-thumping-win-in-leeds|work=Cricbuzz|date=27 June 2022 |access-date=25 November 2022}}

During the rescheduled fifth Test against India, Root scored the winning runs with his unbeaten 142. He finished the series with over 700 runs in five Tests.{{cite web|title=Root, Bairstow give England the edge in historic chase|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/122947/joe-root-jonny-bairstow-give-england-the-edge-in-historic-chase|work=Cricbuzz|date=4 July 2022 |access-date=25 November 2022}}

On the third day of the first Test of the series against Pakistan at Multan in October 2024, Root overtook Sir Alastair Cook as England's highest Test run-scorer of all time,{{Cite web |date=2024-10-09 |title=Joe Root overtakes Sir Alastair Cook to become England's all-time leading Test run-scorer |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c86le1qv0q6o |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} and move into fifth place on the list of highest run-scorers in Test history. This was part of his highest Test score to date of 262, his sixth double-century, and in the same innings he shared an England record stand of 454 with Harry Brook.{{cite web|first=Sampath|last=Bandarupalli|title=Stats - England's mammoth total, Brook and Root pile on records|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pak-vs-eng-2024-stats-england-s-mammoth-total-harry-brook-and-joe-root-pile-on-records-1454672|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=10 October 2024|access-date=10 October 2024}} This was also a record for any fourth-wicket partnership in Tests.

{{main|List of international cricket centuries by Joe Root}}

Having scored 54 international centuries, Root currently is the joint-seventh highest international century maker of all time.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/303669.html | title=Joe Root | publisher=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=10 October 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203063516/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/303669.html | archive-date=3 February 2019 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

• ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: 2021{{cite web |title=ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2021 {{!}} ICC |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards/icc-awards-2021/mens-test-player-of-the-year |access-date=4 April 2022 |website=www.icc-cricket.com |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926041950/https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards/icc-awards-2021/mens-test-player-of-the-year |url-status=dead }}
• ICC Test Team of the Year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 2014{{cite web |last=Waters |first=Chris |date=2014 |title=Wisden Cricketers of the Year 2014 – Joe Root |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/739777.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618225451/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/739777.html |archive-date=18 June 2018 |access-date=1 January 2018 |website=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack |via=ESPNcricinfo}}
• ICC ODI Team of the Year: 2015, 2018{{cite web |title=India, England dominate ICC ODI Team of the Year |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/979684 |website=Icc-cricket.com |access-date=26 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126222652/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/979684 |archive-date=26 January 2019 |url-status=live }}
• England Test Cricketer of the Year: 2015{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2016/05/16/joe-root-wins-england-hat-trick-of-awards-but-warns-brutal-game/ |title=Joe Root wins England hat-trick of awards but warns 'brutal game' can bite him at any time |work=The Daily Telegraph |last=Berry |first=Scyld |date=16 May 2016 |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421181632/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2016/05/16/joe-root-wins-england-hat-trick-of-awards-but-warns-brutal-game/ |archive-date=21 April 2018 |url-status=live }}
• England Limited-Overs Cricketer of the Year: 2015
• Root was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to cricket.{{London Gazette|issue=62866|supp=y|page=N21|date=28 December 2019}}
• ICC Player of the Month: August (2021){{cite web|url=https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/joe-root-eimear-richardson-named-icc-players-of-the-month-for-august/|title=Joe Root, Eimear Richardson named ICC Players of the Month for August|first=Sumit|last=Arora|website=Currentaffairs.adda247.com|date=15 September 2021|access-date=12 January 2022}}
• PCA Player of the Year: 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/58723590 |title=Joe Root & Eve Jones win PCA player of the year awards |work=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2021|access-date=29 September 2021}}
• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: April 2022{{cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah Among Wisden's 5 Cricketers Of The Year |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-among-wisdens-5-cricketers-of-the-year-2905966 |website=NDTV Sports|accessdate=21 April 2022}}

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• [https://www.therootacademy.co.uk/ The Root Academy]
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• [https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/player-rankings/887 Joe Root] at ICC's official site
• {{Instagram|root66}}

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