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Billy Root joins Glamorgan to prove his worth

Billy Root drives through the off side Getty Images

Billy Root, brother of the England captain Joe, has left Nottinghamshire for Glamorgan in search of more playing opportunities.

Root's departure continues a huge overhaul at Nottinghamshire which has seen three top-order batsmen - Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett and Ben Slater - arrive at Trent Bridge and Riki Wessels and now Root move on.

Despite having one year left to run on his current deal, Root's playing possibilities were limited in 2018, and the influx of three highly-rated batsmen, two with perceived England potential, suggested that was unlikely to change next summer.

"We're sad to see Billy go but understand that he wants more regular playing opportunities, something which has been hard to come by over the past year," said Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket.

"He has the ability to play in all three formats, as he has shown during his time with us and I am sure he will relish his new challenge with Glamorgan."

Root made over 1000 runs in his time at the club, including centuries in both first-class and List A cricket. His 133 alongside Chris Read in the final game of the 2017 season against Sussex, helped secure promotion from Division Two of the Championship and saw the Sheffield-born batsman sign his first professional deal.

Glamorgan were attracted by the fact that he averages more than 30 in all three formats - albeit only just - as they sought to address a dismal 2018 campaign in which their homegrown players were not up to the task.

Glamorgan's director of cricket, Hugh Morris, still retains faith in the advantages of giving opportunities to Welsh youngsters - indeed the Welsh Assembly expects it - and the introduction of Root is not remotely a signal that such a policy is about to be abandoned.

Root in many ways is a direct replacement for Aneurin Donald, who had encouraged such optimism in Wales but whose form declined before he left for Hampshire midway through last season.

"Over the course of the campaign it became apparent we needed to supplement our batting stocks and in Billy we have signed a player who is still young but has experience playing Division One cricket and is hungry to succeed," Morris said.

"He can play across all three formats which makes him an ideal signing for the club and he will be a fantastic addition to the dressing room."