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From ukulele to sketching; Check Joe Root’s artistic side outside the cricket field

Rajgeeta Yadav

Joe Root loves sketching and playing guitar [Source: @ICC/X.com]Joe Root loves sketching and playing guitar [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Joe Root broke a decade-long drought in Australia by scoring his first Test century there on Thursday, breathing new life into England’s Ashes campaign at the Gabba. He walked off unbeaten on 135 from 202 balls, steering England to 325 for nine at stumps on day one of the second Test. His masterful innings served as the perfect response to sections of the Australian press that had mocked his previous record on their soil. 

Apart from proving his critics wrong with the bat, not only does Root excel on the field, but he also impresses in areas far beyond cricket.

In fact, a lesser-known side of the England star has recently come to light. It turns out that apart from dominating on-field, Root is equally comfortable wielding an Apple Pencil. The 34-year-old often spends his downtime sketching on his iPad, a hobby that keeps him grounded during long tours. 

Joe Root explains why he loves sketching

Speaking on UK Vitality’s Day in the Life of show earlier this year, Root explained why drawing has become an essential part of his routine. Whenever he finds a few quiet hours, he turns to sketching as a way to unwind. 

"When we are out on tours and in hotel rooms or I’m playing, sometimes I like to draw. I generally draw on my IPad now,” he told the show. 

“It’s something that if I didn’t play cricket, I’d still have done at school and beyond. I just find it’s a really nice way to switch off, take mind off stresses of touring or if it’s time to fill before flying. It’s a nice way to relax. And unwind really,” he said.

Moreover, Root believes that his artistic hobby mirrors his craft as a batter. Just as sketching requires creativity and precision, so too does constructing an innings. He described cricket as a form of artistry, where choosing the right shots and adjusting to different bowlers resembles the thoughtful strokes of an artist shaping a drawing.

Furthermore, Root’s talents extend beyond drawing. He is often seen singing Oasis tunes, and he frequently carries a guitar on tour. Not only does he sketch to relax, but he also strums the ukulele or guitar to unwind.

Meanwhile, his achievements continue to soar. With his unbeaten 135, Root has reached 13,686 Test runs, closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record. At this rate, he appears well on track to rewrite history.