Watch: Joe Root’s special message to Jonny Bairstow on his 100th Test match | Cricket News
Joe Root knows Jonny Bairstow since the two were 12 year old. It was fitting that Bairstow received his 100th Test cap from his childhood friend with tears in everyone’s eyes on Day 1 of the fifth Test match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala.On Thursday, Jonny Bairstow will become the 17th player to reach 100 Tests for England.
“We find ourselves stood here at the foot of the Himalayas. You’ve already climbed a mountain to get here. 12 years old when I first met you, coming through the Yorkshire academy. And the talent you had then was evident for everyone to see,” says Root.
“That being said to get to a hundred Test matches, it’s not a straight road. You are goona come over some roadblocks along the way. And your best strengths as a character and as a player is to be able to face challenges and adversity. Show huge amount of tenacity,” says Root with everyone in the huddle burst into a laughter.
Not a dry eye in the huddle 🥲
As emotional and as special as these incredible cap presentations come 🧢 🦁 🏴
💯 @jbairstow21 🤝 @root66 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8bsG87EH4B
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 7, 2024
Despite having such a long career, Bairstow has never had a settled role in England’s Test side. His batting position has changed over the years and whether he would keep wicket has also never been certain. Root also touched upon the journey of Bairstow.
“I know how much you care to play for England and how much this cap, this badge, this shirt means to you.
“It’s another big part of who you are as a player. Within your hundred games, you’ve broken and set many different records with both gloves and with the bat.
“You’ve played some of the most exciting and exhilarating innings in a Test shirt, and even at the forefront of some of England’s greatest ever Test wins.”
It’s well documented that Jonny’s father David, a Test cricketer himself, took his life because of depression in 1998.
“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 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,” says Root.
“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’ll be genuine and authentic to who you are as a player. Stick your chest out. Look him in the eye alright but stay in your crease alright.”
Bairstow scored a quickfire 18-ball 29 before he was dismissed Kuldeep Yadav.
