NEW DELHI: After hitting a historic 33rd Test century at Lord's on Thursday against Sri Lanka, Joe Root gave an emotional homage to the late Graham Thorpe, citing the influence of his former mentor as a major factor in his achievements.
On the opening day of the second Test, Root entered with the team struggling at 42-2, and with his innings, he tied Alastair Cook's record for the most hundreds by an England batsman, as per AFP.
Reaching three digits, Root gestured instantly to the sky in remembrance of former England batsman and assistant coach Thorpe, who took his own life earlier this month at the age of 55.
A deeply moved Root, whose composed 143 helped England reach 358-7 at stumps, told reporters: "I've been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches and mentors.
"He (Thorpe) was one of those people who offered me so much and it was nice to be able to think of him in that moment. Someone I'm sorely going miss and who I owe a lot to. He put a lot into my game and my career."
'Saw something with me'
With precisely 100 Test caps under his belt, Thorpe was considered the finest batsman of his period in England.
The fashionable left-hander was among the first to see Root's potential.
"Before I'd even made a hundred at first-class level he picked me for an England Lions (A team) game against Sri Lanka at Scarborough," said Root.
"He saw something with me... He pushed very hard for me to be involved in that India tour where I made my debut (in 2012) and from that point onwards we worked together."
Root added: "It evolved into more than that, we became good friends and I really enjoyed spending a lot of time with him. It was nice to pay a small tribute. He means a lot to me and that was a small thank you."
After Sri Lanka's risk of bowling first under blue skies and on a superb batting field almost paid off, Root's effort brought England back to life.
England were struggling at 212-6, but after numerous top-order batsmen lost their wickets, Root's century and Gus Atkinson's Test-high 74 not out raised the score.
Root, who came in after Ollie Pope was dismissed for just one, was eventually out to his trademark reverse ramp. Pope registered his third single-figure score since deputising as captain for the injured Ben Stokes.
After being dismissed twice for six in his otherwise successful debut as captain during England's five-wicket victory in the opening Test at Old Trafford last week, Pope acknowledged that he was finding it difficult to strike a balance between the duties of leadership and batting.
But, with the home team 1-0 up in a three-match series, former England captain Root insisted: "I don't think there's anything for Ollie to worry about... He should keep doing exactly what he's doing."
Root added: "You know someone like him with his talent ability and his mindset, it won't be long before he scores a big score."
