Jonny Bairstow reduced to tears by Joe Root speech on 100th England Test cap
Jonny Bairstow was left in tears as Joe Root delivered a speech to commemorate the England international's 100th Test outing.
The final match of the tour of India in Dharamshala got underway on Thursday with little for England to play for with the hosts already holding an unassailable 3-1 lead. However, it will be a Test of significance for Bairstow, who had his family present to witness him earn his centenary cap almost 12 years on from making his Test debut versus the West Indies.
Former England captain and Yorkshire teammate Root had the privilege of handing out the honour to the 34-year-old. It was an emotional moment for Bairstow as Root reflected on his journey and his family, but England's No.4 could not help but poke some fun at the centurion too.
Root ended his speech by hinting at the latter's infamous stumping by Australia's Alex Carey to leave his audience in laughter.
He said: "Jonathan Marc with a C Bairstow, we find ourselves stood here at the foot of the Himalayas but you've already climbed a mountain to get here. I was 12 years old when I first met you, coming through Yorkshire Academy and the talent you had then was evident for everyone to see.
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"That being said to get to 100 Test matches is not a straight road, you're going to have to come over some roadblocks along the way. One of your best strengths as a character and a player is to be able to face challenges and adversity and show huge amounts of tenacity.
"I know how much you care to play for England and how much this cap, this badge, the shirt means to you, it's another big part of who you are as a player. Within your 100 games you've broken and set so many different records with both gloves and with the bat.
Jonny Bairstow went through a range of emotions during Joe Root's speech (2024 Philip Brown/Popperfoto)"You've played some of the most exciting and exhilarating innings in a Test shirt, and you've been at the forefront of some of England's greatest ever Test wins. We all know how proud Janet, your mum, Becky, the rest of your family back home, and of course Meg and Edward who in time will learn all of the amazing feats you've achieved. Also know that your dad is shining down on you, beaming with pride and a huge smile on his face today and this week.
"We all look forward to making many more memories with you, on and off the field, enjoying one of those special barbecues round at your house at some point. Promise me one thing this week, you'll try and relax, you try and enjoy it and you're genuine and authentic to who you are as a player.
"Stick your chest out, look em in the eye but stay in your crease alright."
Unfortunately proceedings didn't get off to the best start on day one for England. Bairstow and Root scored 29 and 26 respectively as the visitors were bowled out for just 218 by India before the hosts closed play on 135/1 in reply.
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