England legend Joe Root desperate to repay Paarl Royals for SA20 opportunity

The 34-year-old Root is a legend in Test cricket having amassed more than 12 000 runs in a career that has 147 appearances in the longest format, but has not played a T20 International in almost six years.

The right-handed batter is in his maiden season in the SA20 and has already made a mark for his new franchise in the opening two matches, striking and unbeaten 62 off 44 balls in a victory over defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape before hitting 26 off 14 deliveries in a defeat against MI Cape Town.

So what attracted Root to participate in the SA20 even though he has some downtime in-between a busy schedule with England?

"I've seen it (SA20) for the last couple of years and it looks a brilliant tournament," Root said. "I'm just so grateful to get the opportunity to play some T20 cricket and Paarl Royals have given me that.

"I'm desperate to do well for them for that opportunity. They've welcomed me in brilliantly, they looked after us and created a great atmosphere to be welcomed into and the tournament itself is fantastic. I feel lucky to be here.

"It's been a long time coming to really get some consistent opportunities in this format for me."

The 2019 50-over World Cup winner also sees it as a responsibility as a senior player with a wealth of experience to help the younger generation along, with the Royals boasting some of South Africa's most talented rising stars as part of the squad.

Kwena Maphaka and Lhaun-dre Pretorius both only received their Matric results and have bright futures in the game while batter Mitchell Van Buuren has been highly spoken about by pundits and coaches.

Root added: "I try to be an open book. If people want to come and talk to me about the game I love talking cricket and I'm more than happy to do that and give my take on different situations or different games and scenarios and chat things through.

"You learn a lot from younger players as well even when you've been around a bit like I have. I feel the game's given me so much over my time as a player and hopefully will do for a long while yet but I almost feel it's your duty and your opportunity to pass that on to the next generation.

"I feel like it's your responsibility as one of the guys that's been around a while to give a little bit back and give something back to the game in a slightly different way.

"I was very fortunate with the senior players that I played with. You want to take as much from them as you can and see what works in your game and fit it in and around things to help you speed up your development and try and get to the top of the game."

Root and the Paarl Royals team will hope to return to winning ways when they take on MI Cape Town in the reverse fixture at Boland Park on Wednesday. 

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