CRICKET: James Taylor retirement puts life into perspective for England star Joe Root

Joe Root admits James Taylor's enforced retirement from the game has put England's World T20 disappointment in perspective.
Yorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott MerryleesYorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott Merrylees
Yorkshire & England cricketer Joe Root at Sheffield's Abbeydale Sports Club. Picture Scott Merrylees

Root discovered the “horrible” news of Taylor’s serious heart condition while on holiday, and added: “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“He’s the fittest guy in the squad and works so hard at his game... the ideal role model for anyone wanting to be involved in the sport, really.

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“I was devastated to hear it had happened to such a good fella. Cricket was huge for him, and I hope he finds something he’s passionate about to fill the hole now.

“News like this reminds us that it’s a short career, and we have to make the most of it. Enjoy every minute.

“You look at how devastated we were after the World T20 but, in the grand scheme of things, this puts it in perspective. Of course, cricket’s a massive part of my life but it’s not my whole life. It’s pleasing to see that they’ve found it now, not down the line when it could have cost him his life.

“I know he’s grateful for that. It’s very admirable and inspiring the way he’s gone about his treatment, and how positive he has been about moving forward.”

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After being forced to rest by England, Root is fit and refreshed and looking forward to donning a Yorkshire shirt once again. He is eligible to play against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, on May 1, and to face Surrey at Headingley a week later ahead of the first Test of the summer against Sri Lanka later next month.

Root hasn’t played for the White Rose county since September 2014 due to England commitments, and added: “It would have been nice to play more but, at the same time, it was the right thing to do to have a rest and refresh with such a busy summer and winter coming up.

“I don’t think there will be much time inbetween going away to India again so I think it’s really important.

“England have been very good for the last couple of years of keeping guys on the field and making sure they’re fit and mentally fresh when it comes to Test cricket. Of course I’d love to play as much as I can for Yorkshire but unfortunately the opportunities haven’t quite been there of late. But there are two games coming up and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into them.”