Picture Credit: ECB
England created history on Tuesday as they beat India in the fifth rescheduled Test by 7 wickets. The Ben Stokes-led team, hence, drew the five-match Test series 2-2 and further prolonged India’s wait for a Test series win on England soil after 2007. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow paired up to snatch a win from India’s grasp.
The two batters put on a massive 269*-run partnership for the fourth wicket to draw curtains on India’s chances of winning the match and the series. While Bairstow remained unbeaten on 114, Root walked back to the pavilion with a big 142* written against his name. Root scored his 28th Test century which was his ninth against India when he hit Mohammed Siraj for a boundary.
The former England captain created history with his knock as he now holds the record for most Test hundreds by a batter against India. As Root crossed the three-figure mark, he celebrated in a unique way. The England batter raised his pinky finger to the crowd to celebrate his ton.
With Root making an unusual gesture, everyone wondered for the reason behind it. Although there is nothing official from Root about this unique celebration, it is believed to be inspired by the recently released Hollywood movie Elvis by actor Austin Butler. Notably, Butler plays Elvis in this movie and uses his pinky finger in many scenes.
It is something you are constantly searching for and something you rarely find: Root
The 31-year-old spoke about his impressive run in Test cricket and said that such kind of form is what every player keeps looking for but is rare to find. “[On his form] It is something you are constantly searching for and something you rarely find. You want to keep it as fun as possible,” said Root. Notably, Root has been piling runs for the past year. Root has scored 11 centuries in a year-and-a-half is now has the most centuries among active Test players.