Back England prospect Root for SPOTY glory prior to Ashes

Currently available at 20/1 to land the 60th renewal of the Sports Personality of the Year award, it is reasonable to suggest that Joe Root will be considerably shorter for the gong come the night of the ceremony.

Indeed, the fact that Leeds will host the event is a positive to Yorkshireman Root’s hopes, which will only enhance should he play a prominent role in England’s expected success over Australia in the 2013 Ashes series.

Such is the faith that England selectors have in the Yorkshire batsman, he has been installed as Lions captain for their Test series with New Zealand, at the tender age of 22.

Despite failing to yet rack up an international century, Root has impressed in his brief England career to date, and is seen as one of the leading lights ahead of their attempt to retain the urn this summer.

Thus, the realisation of his raw potential opposite the Aussies is bound to lead to more than murmurs regarding his deservedness of such accolades as the Sports Personality of the Year award.

And that is a sentiment that Andrew Flintoff, 2005 recipient of the BBC trophy, can testify.

Flintoff played a starring role in the Three Lions’ Ashes success of that year, proving the precedent for recognition can often be born of which personality most readily engages the public’s imagination.

A humble and likeable character, it is not too far-fetched to suggest Root could become a national hero, should he prove a catalyst for an English Ashes triumph this summer, in the same manner Flintoff did eight years ago.

And if that is to be the case, it is an absolute certainty that a price anywhere close to 20/1 will not exist, meaning punters are advised to get on Root as soon as possible.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.