Root signs until 2016

England batsman Joe Root has committed his future to Yorkshire CCC by signing a two-year contract extension that keeps him at the white rose county until at least December 2016.

The Sheffield-born right-hander is now an established member of the national side in all three formats.

Since making his Test debut in December 2012, the 23-year-old has played 15 matches, scoring 955 runs including a top score of 180 against Australia at Lord’s last summer.

Root has played 34 first class matches for Yorkshire and averages more than 43 with bat, scoring 2,188 runs from 57 innings.

His highest score of 236 came last season in a match-winning performance against Derbyshire at Headingley.

“We are delighted that Joe has committed his long-term future to the club,” said Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon.

“He is one of the brightest talents in the game and will be part of Yorkshire and England’s plans for many years to come.

“His desire to be the best that he can is a perfect example to our young players that if you work hard on your skills and have total commitment, you can achieve almost anything in your profession.

“He is only 18 months into his England career and is already an established member of the national side. I’m looking forward to seeing Joe continue his progression as a Yorkshire and England cricketer.”

Root is expected to return to action from a fractured thumb when Yorkshire take on Middlesex at Lord’s in the LV= County Championship on Sunday April 27.

He sustained the fracture during England’s tour of the West Indies in March and missed the recent ICC T20 World Cup because of the injury.