NEW DELHI: Joe Root is poised to make his much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket for Yorkshire in the second round of the County Championship against Gloucestershire this week, marking his first appearance in nearly two years in the traditional format.
Root's absence from the domestic scene since May 2022 has been deeply felt, with sporadic appearances in T20 cricket and the Hundred failing to satisfy the Yorkshire faithful's craving for his presence.
Now, following his engagements in the Ashes and subcontinent tour, Root's focus shifts back to the red-ball game, where his elegant batting and astute leadership are expected to rejuvenate Yorkshire's fortunes.
Having missed the initial match against Leicestershire due to his two-month tour of India, Root is set to feature in the next four rounds of the County Championship. The seventh round, commencing on May 24, will see Yorkshire in action away from home against Northamptonshire.
The 33-year-old, who relinquished the Test captaincy, last played first-class cricket for Yorkshire in May 2022 against Warwickshire.
Joining Root in the fray is the dynamic Harry Brook, who returns to action after a hiatus since England's white-ball tour of the West Indies in December 2023. Brook withdrew from the India series following the passing of his grandmother, Pauline.
His comeback was marked by a scintillating unbeaten century off just 69 deliveries. Brook's final fixture before a break will be against Glamorgan at home, starting May 3, ahead of England's T20 series against Pakistan leading into the T20 World Cup.
After a somewhat subdued subcontinent tour, where he amassed 320 runs at an average of 35.55, with his sole century coming in the fourth Test as India claimed a 4-1 series victory, Root aims to utilise the upcoming month to refine his skills in preparation for a busy six months ahead.
England is scheduled to host three Test series this season, beginning on July 10 at Lord's against the West Indies and Sri Lanka. Additionally, they are slated to tour Pakistan and New Zealand before the year concludes.
(With IANS inputs)
