Joe Root is set to make his return to the 50-over format after being named in England’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India.
The veteran batter recently expressed his desire to represent England across all formats once again. Notably, Root last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup, while his most recent T20I appearance dates back to 2019.
Currently playing for the Paarl Royals in SA20 2025, Root has enjoyed an impressive debut season, scoring 279 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20. He will now join England ahead of the ODI series against India.
Speaking about his ambitions, Root emphasized his eagerness to feature in more T20 competitions as he eyes a return to England’s T20I setup.
“I think you are always a better player when you are not in the team. I am just going to try and play the best cricket I can. You look at that squad (England T20Is), it’s full of talented players. They can take the game away from the best bowlers in the world,” Root told SA20.
“I want to play as much for England as I can, in all formats. But, at the same time, I need to play more T20 cricket to prove myself and see where that takes me,” he added.
Root had a phenomenal year in Test cricket in 2023, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the format with 1556 runs at an average of 55.57 across 17 matches.
As England prepares for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Sheffield-born batter will be keen to make his mark in the ODI series against India.