In a prestigious ceremony held at Windsor Castle on June 12, 2024, England cricketing stalwart Joe Root was honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his outstanding contributions to cricket. The accolade was presented to Root by Princess Anne during an investiture ceremony, recognizing his remarkable achievements and service to the sport.
A Storied Career
Joe Root, a former England captain, made his international debut in December 2012 against India. Over his illustrious career, he has played 140 Tests, 171 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 32 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing a combined total of 19,151 runs. His prowess with the bat and his leadership on the field have made him one of the finest batters to ever represent England.
Root’s tally of 11,736 runs in Test cricket places him second on England’s all-time list, only behind former captain Alastair Cook, who scored 12,472 runs. Root was also a pivotal figure in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph, where he finished as the team’s top scorer.
Giving Back to the Game
Speaking at the ceremony, Root emphasized his desire to contribute to the cricketing community and inspire future generations. “When you’ve played a little while and you’ve quite a bit of experience like I have, that’s a responsibility that you’re very aware of, and something that you want to try and give back,” Root stated.
He highlighted the importance of engaging young boys and girls with cricket, encouraging them to take up the sport for the myriad opportunities it presents both on and off the field. “You want to give back to the game as much as you can and try and encourage as many young boys and girls to take up the game because of the opportunities, not just on the field and stuff, but off the field that I’ve been able to experience through cricket,” Root added.
Embracing Failure
Root shared a crucial piece of advice for budding cricketers, stressing the need to understand and embrace the nature of the sport. “It sounds quite a negative thing, but cricket is a game of failure. And I think being able to embrace failure to understand that it’s part and parcel of that sport, that gives you opportunities to learn and grow and get better,” he explained.
Leadership and Friendship
Reflecting on England’s recent successes, Root praised current T20 captain Jos Buttler, under whose leadership England clinched the 2022 T20 World Cup. “Jos is one of my good friends. I think he’s a brilliant captain so I don’t think there’s any question,” Root commented, expressing confidence in Buttler’s leadership abilities.
Looking Ahead
As Root continues to inspire on and off the field, his recognition as an MBE serves as a testament to his dedication and impact on the sport. The cricketing community celebrates his achievements, acknowledging his contributions and the legacy he continues to build.
Root’s commitment to giving back and mentoring the next generation highlights his understanding of the broader responsibilities that come with success. His journey and insights provide valuable lessons for young cricketers aiming to make their mark in the sport.
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