WALKING cricketers from Rotherham had to do a double take when they saw a familiar face practising close by.
The players from the Rotherham u3a group were having one of their regular Friday morning games at The Boundary Indoor Cricket Centre in Sheffield when they clocked Joe Root working on his strokes in the neighbouring nets.
During a break the Ru3a cricketers watched in awe as the England man and the world’s second highest Test runs scorer skilfully played a plethora of fast balls.
Ru3a’s Tricia Macredie said: “When Joe’s session ended he came over to talk cricket to our group and later had a photo taken with everyone and several others with individual members.
“The incident confirmed not only Joe’s skill at the wicket and his persistent search for perfection in his sport but also his international reputation as an approachable, unassuming and personable sports personality.”
The chance meeting occurred shortly before Root’s departure for the England-New Zealand series, to be followed by his England Ashes tour to Australia.
Joe and his brother Billy both played for Rotherham Town as juniors. His grandad, Don, captained Town and both he and Joe’s great grandfather, George, hailed from Rotherham.
Now aged 92, Don is still interested in everything cricket and is Vice Chairman of Sheffield Collegiate CC.
Tricia herself also follows Root junior’s clear closely for another reason.
She revealed: “I’m particularly interested not only because I’m an active and passionate member of Ru3a but also because Joe is my first cousin’s grandson, which makes him my first cousin twice removed.
“Joe had a cricket bat in his hand from early infancy, and his talent was evident even then.
“It almost goes without saying that I follow his career with interest.”
Walking cricket is endorsed by Joe Root himself.
It makes cricket accessible to those who identify as older adults, either semi-retired or retired.
Rotherham u3a Walking Cricket Group plays indoors from mid-September to Easter and outdoors from Easter.
For more information phone or message 07503 225864.
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