Fred Root, English cricketer and umpire (b. 1890)
Charles Frederick Root (born 16 April 1890, died 20 January 1954) was a distinguished English professional cricketer whose career spanned the early to mid-20th century, notably contributing to both county and international cricket. Primarily a right-arm fast-medium bowler, he was renowned for his ability to swing the ball effectively, making him a potent threat to opposing batsmen. Beyond his bowling prowess, Root was also a reliable right-handed lower-order batsman, frequently contributing crucial runs for his teams.
A Prolific Career in English First-Class Cricket
Root's cricketing journey was marked by consistent performance and longevity, establishing him as a prominent figure in English first-class cricket. His extensive career saw him take 1,225 wickets and score 11,467 runs across 402 first-class matches, showcasing his invaluable dual contribution as both a bowler and a batsman over more than two decades.
International Honour: The 1926 Ashes Series
A significant highlight of Charles Root's career was his call-up to the England national team in 1926. He played in two pivotal Test matches during the iconic Ashes series against Australia. This particular series was historically significant as it marked the first time England had regained the Ashes since 1912, a major achievement for English cricket. Root contributed to this memorable victory by taking 5 wickets across his two Test appearances for his country, playing a part in a triumphant period for the England side.
County Cricket Journey: Derbyshire and Worcestershire
Root’s professional career saw him represent two prominent county teams, where he consistently demonstrated his skill and dedication:
- Derbyshire County Cricket Club (1910-1920): Charles Root began his first-class career with Derbyshire, where he honed his fast-medium bowling skills. He played for the club for a decade, including the periods immediately before and after the First World War, establishing himself as a key bowler within their ranks.
- Worcestershire County Cricket Club (1921-1932): Following his tenure with Derbyshire, Root moved to Worcestershire, where he played for another twelve seasons until his retirement. At Worcestershire, he became a pivotal and highly reliable professional, often leading their bowling attack and proving instrumental to the team's performance with both ball and bat. His long service at Worcestershire solidified his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in county cricket during that era.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Frederick Root
- Who was Charles Frederick Root?
- Charles Frederick Root was a prominent English professional cricketer (1890-1954) known for his skills as a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a useful lower-order batsman.
- When did Charles Frederick Root play for England?
- He played for England in two Test matches during the historic 1926 Ashes series against Australia.
- What was Charles Frederick Root's primary role as a cricketer?
- Root was primarily a right-arm fast-medium bowler, noted for his ability to swing the ball, and he also contributed significantly as a right-handed lower-order batsman.
- Which county cricket clubs did Charles Frederick Root represent?
- He played for Derbyshire County Cricket Club from 1910 to 1920 and subsequently for Worcestershire County Cricket Club from 1921 to 1932.