Root joins England inner circle as squad prepares to depart
ENGLAND batsman Joe Root has been rewarded for his starring role in the Ashes earlier this year with a central contract, replacing Eoin Morgan in the 11-man list.
Root’s inclusion is the only change from last year’s party and caps a breakthrough year for the 22-year-old Yorkshire player.
National selector Geoff Miller congratulated Root, saying the decision “reflects the important role Joe has played for England since making his international debut”.
The announcement came as England prepare to fly to Australia this evening for the return Ashes series, which starts on 21 November. It also follows months of fraught negotiations over the terms of the contract with players’ union the PCB.
CHOSEN ONES
Centrally contracted players
James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott