England cricket veteran Joe Root, affectionately nicknamed "grandad" by rising star Harry Brook, has shared that playing alongside a youthful Test squad makes him feel like Peter Pan.
According to details, Root, now the senior player with 144 Test appearances and a long stint as captain, continues to enjoy a vibrant cricketing career despite the passing years.
Root’s experience was evident as he scored a gritty, unbeaten 62 to guide England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford, helping the team chase a target of 205 on a challenging pitch.
His leadership and skill were crucial in securing England's 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
As the elder statesman of the team, Root’s role has become even more prominent following the retirement of fast-bowling great James Anderson earlier this season. The current squad features young talents like Shoaib Bashir, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Smith, who collectively have just 15 Test appearances.
Looking ahead to the second Test at Lord's starting Thursday, the England squad includes 20-year-old uncapped fast bowler Josh Hull, who was called up after Mark Wood's injury.
Reflecting on his role among a younger team, Root said, "They keep you young more than anything. In this job, you can be a bit like Peter Pan; you just think you're the same age as the guys you're batting with."
Root also spoke about the camaraderie within the team, highlighting the fun and banter that keep the environment enjoyable. Despite his age, Root remains enthusiastic about his cricketing future, stating, "I still feel pretty young, and I feel like there's a lot of cricket left in me."
As England prepare to name their white-ball squads for next month’s series against Australia, changes are anticipated following the departure of limited-overs head coach Matthew Mott.
The selection of new talents could signal further shifts in the team, with established players like Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali awaiting their international futures.
