Joe Root eyes T20I return after successful SA20 campaign
31 Jan 2025

England's star batter Joe Root has revealed his desire to represent his country across all three formats of the game.

This comes as he gears up for a return to One Day Internationals (ODIs) after a year-long break.

Root's ambition was fueled by his outstanding performance in SA20 2025, South Africa's premier T20 tournament.

Here's more.

Here's what Root said
Statement

"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" Root told SA20.

"I want to play as much for England as I can, in all formats. But, you know, at the same time, I have got to play more T20 cricket to prove myself," he added.

Root's performance in SA20
Stellar run

Root played eight matches for Paarl Royals in the SA20 tournament before leaving for India for an upcoming ODI series.

He amassed 279 runs at an impressive average of 55 and a strike rate of 140, with a top score of 92.

Additionally, he took five wickets with his off-spin bowling.

Due to his departure, Root will miss the playoffs as Paarl Royals lead the points table after nine matches.

Root's return to ODI cricket and T20 ambitions
Comeback

Root has been absent from ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup but is set to return ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, starting on February 19.

Meanwhile, his last T20 International appearance for England was in May 2019.

However, while focusing on T20 cricket recently, Root continues to excel in Tests, scoring an impressive 1,556 runs in 17 matches at an average of 55.57 in 2024 alone.

Root's T20I numbers for England
Numbers

Although the batter has not enjoyed too much success in the shortest format of the game, he still boasts an impressive stats sheet.

Meanwhile, across 32 T20Is, Root has racked up 893 runs at an average of 35.72. He also boasts a strike rate of 126.30, with his highest score being 90* (vs Australia)

Root also owns five fifties.

In 2019, (the last year he played in T20Is), Root managed 106 runs across four matches, (SR: 111.57, AVG: 35.33).