England Test captain Joe Root’s younger brother, Billy Root, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 34.Root is one of three Glamorgan batters whose playing careers will end this week, along with Chris Cooke and Colin Ingram. He had a limited role in his final season, playing only two County Championship matches and captaining Glamorgan’s second XI.Announcing his retirement on social media, Root said it was “time for the next chapter” in his life.“It has been an absolute privilege to represent two great clubs and to share in the success of four trophy wins,” Root said. “I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to make a career out of something I have loved since I was a kid.“There have been plenty of ups and downs over the last 14 years, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ll always be incredibly grateful for the journey, the people l’ve shared it with and the opportunity to live out a childhood dream. Thank you to everyone who has played a part.”Root began his professional career with Nottinghamshire after studying at Leeds Beckett University. He was part of the Nottinghamshire squad that won the white-ball double in 2017.He moved to Glamorgan in 2019 and was part of the team that won two One-Day Cup titles. He also played a role in the club’s promotion to Division One of the County Championship last summer.Root grew up playing cricket with his older brother Joe at Sheffield Collegiate CC. The brothers briefly shared the field during a Test at Lord’s in 2013, when Billy, then with MCC Young Cricketers, was named as England’s 12th man.Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace paid tribute to Root’s contribution to the club.“Billy has been a hugely important part of Glamorgan over the last seven seasons. His professionalism, his consistency, and his ability to perform in big moments have made him a key figure in our squad. He is admired by team-mates and staff alike, and his contribution to our recent white-ball success cannot be overstated.”