Joe Root's 'Pinky' Celebration After Ton Against India Has A Rockstar Connection - Explained

England cricket team batter Joe Root slammed a gritty century to guide his side to a solid position on Day 1 of the fourth Test match against India in Ranchi on Friday. Just after reaching the milestone, Root celebrated by showing his pinky finger towards the dressing room where skipper Ben Stokes repeated his gesture. This exchange goes back to the 2022 Test match between India and England in Edgbaston where the duo clinched the game for their side and celebrated in this manner for the first time. The celebration is inspired by legendary entertainer Elvis Presley, Root had earlier revealed.

“I don't think I'll ever be able to feel or look like a rockstar but for 10 seconds I might have done, that's what the little pinkie was about. Ben watched the Elvis Presley film the other day and he's been doing that all week, so it was a little tribute to him,” Root had said after the Edgbaston Test.

Joe Root hit an unbeaten 106 to lead England's recovery from early trouble after Indian fast bowler Akash Deep took three wickets on debut in the fourth Test on Friday.

England, who are fighting to stay alive at 2-1 down in the five-match series, reached stumps at 302-7 after electing to bat first in Ranchi.

The tourists slipped to 112-5 but Root, with just 77 runs over his previous six innings, found his form to put on a 113-run stand with wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, who made 47.

Mohammed Siraj broke the partnership with the wicket of Foakes but former captain Root stood firm and had Ollie Robinson, on 31, for company in an unbeaten stand of 57 at the close of play.

(With AFP inputs)