London: Joe Root came out on top in every sense in his first County match against younger brother Billy as Yorkshire launched their One-Day Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win away to Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
England Test captain Joe Root made an unbeaten 75 as Yorkshire comfortably chased down a meagre target of 186 and he ended the match with more than 17 overs to spare by lofting part-time off-spinner Billy for six.
The match also saw Joe Root in opposition to an England teammate in Nottinghamshire paceman Stuart Broad. “Broady was giving me a bit of stick but that’s what you get from a top class bowler,” said Joe Root, appointed as England’s Test captain after long-serving skipper Alastair Cook resigned.
“At the end it was difficult when I hit my brother for six — but the professional side took over,” added Root, whose 80-ball innings also included seven fours.
Earlier, Nottinghamshire were bowled out for a mere 185, with Billy Root managing just six against his native county before he was caught behind by England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow off Tim Bresnan.
The ex-England paceman led Yorkshire’s attack with three for 22. Former Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor top-scored for Nottinghamshire with 60 off 59 balls, including eight fours.
Riki Wessels, the son of former Australia and South Africa batsman Kepler, scored 41 while Michael Lumb, an ex-Yorkshire batsman whose father Richard opened for the White Rose, made 35 but there was little else for Nottinghamshire fans to cheer during the innings.
Brief scores:
One-Day Cup (50 overs)
Group A
At Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 185 (B Taylor 60) v Yorkshire 191-3 (J Root 75 no)
Yorkshire (2pts) beat Nottinghamshire (0pts) by 7 wkts
