Joe Root returns to guide Paarl Royals' young guns in Season 5

England Test captain is one of the most distinguished titles in the world game. It’s not every day it comes around twice, but that honour has now been bestowed on Joe Root for the second time earlier this month after his previous five-year stint from 2017 to 2022.

It is this pedigree that Root will bring to the Paarl Royals upon his return to Boland Park for Betway SA20 Season 5.

The 35-year-old’s impact stretches way beyond the scoreboard. While his Season 3 numbers were impressive with the stylish right-hander accumulating 279 runs at an average of 55.80, his leadership and calmness in the dugout is invaluable.

It was evident from his very first outing when Root made an unbeaten 62 to guide the side to a nine-wicket win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape - yet the headline act at the other end was an 18-year-old making his own debut, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who blazed 97 off 51 balls in a chase of 176.

It was the start of a special relationship that ultimately saw a teenage Pretorius top the overall run-charts in his maiden season.

Root's previous stint in Betway SA20 at Durban's Super Giants yielded 279 runs, 5 wickets and two catches

"Batting with Rooty just calmed me down, gave me some clarity and it was amazing. I'm lost for words," Pretorius said. "A lot of credit has to go to Rooty for only conceding four dot balls. He allowed me to get into a rhythm. He helped me a lot and I'm grateful for that."

Root was also influential with the ball as he played his part in a five-pronged spin attack that saw the Royals become the first team to deliver full 20-overs of spin.

Here's when the Boland Park faithful can see Root in the flesh again! Register now for early access to tickets...

Furthermore, Root’s true value was seen after his early departure in Season 3 due to international commitments. The Royals had been the first side to qualify for the Playoffs when Root was still pretty in pink, but unfortunately lost their way in the knockout stages in his absence. 

If Season 3 is any guide, the value Root brings to the Royals will extend well beyond his own runs and wickets - measured just as much in the players around him who benefit from having him at the other end.