Image Source: PA
[Saba Sports News] Joe Root is poised to return to Yorkshire for the 2024 County Championship after a two-year absence, with his comeback expected against Gloucestershire in the championship’s second round later this week. Announced as part of the 13-member squad, this marks Root’s first domestic game since last appearing in The Hundred. Having skipped the first round following a two-month tour in India, Root plans to participate in the next four rounds before taking another break and rejoining for the seventh match against Northamptonshire.
Alongside Root, Harry Brook will also be available for Yorkshire’s first five matches. Brook, who withdrew from the India tour and the Indian Premier League for personal reasons, is currently active in the Championship. In a recent match against Leicestershire, he scored an unbeaten 100 off 69 deliveries, though the game concluded in a draw.
Brook intends to rest after his initial five appearances to remain in peak condition for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting June 1. He has accumulated 544 runs in 29 T20I matches at a strike rate of 144.68 so far. Meanwhile, Root, who struggled during the five-match series in India where England was defeated 4-1, aims to regain form through these County fixtures.
This preparation comes in anticipation of England hosting series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, followed by tours to Pakistan and New Zealand later in the year.
Yorkshire hopes to leverage the talents of both players in their pursuit of qualifying for Division I of the Championship.