Joe Root Named ICC Men's Test Cricketer Of The Year 2021

England captain Joe Root was named as the ICC Men’s Test cricketer of the year following his stupendous form in 2021 which saw him score more than a thousand runs in the longest format of the game.

The 31-year-old was well on his way to beat Mohammad Yousuf’s long-standing record for most runs in a calendar year but a few failures in the recently concluded Ashes series saw him end with 1708 runs in 15 matches, including six centuries.

The tally is the third-highest for a cricketer in a calendar year after Yousuf and Sir Vivian Richards. Root also scored a double century in Galle against Sri Lanka before putting up another masterclass against India in Chennai.

“I’m incredibly proud to have received the award for the ICC Men’s Test player of the year. Very humbled to be in the same breath with a number of wonderful players around the world. It means a huge amount to have gotten the award. Massive thank you to my family, teammates, and my coaches,” Root said while accepting the award.

“Something that will live long in my memory” – Joe Root

On the back of his 218 in the first innings, England managed to win a Test in India, a feat rarely achieved by visiting teams. Aside from batsmanship, Root also took 14 wickets including a stunning five-wicket haul on a turning track in Ahmedabad.

“Means a huge amount to me and my teammates as well. If there was one moment that really sticks out it would be at Chennai against India – the first Test was my 100th. It’s something that will live long in my memory so thanks for all your support and hopefully, a lot more runs to come next year,” Root added.

Although England had a terrible year in Test cricket, Root rediscovered his mojo and will be hoping to keep up the same performance.

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