'I know how much you care to play for England' - Joe Root pours emotions out at Jonny Bairstow's centenary cap presentation

England's star batter Joe Root delivered an emotional speech on teammate Jonny Bairstow's 100th Test cap presentation ceremony. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter is playing the landmark Test against India in the fifth and final match of the ongoing series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on March 7.

Bairstow was in tears after hearing the former England captain's speech on his landmark 100th Test match. Root spoke about the camaraderie he shares with the wicketkeeper-batter and stated that 100 matches in a red-ball cricket is not an easy road.

"Jonathan Mark with a C Bairstow. Find myself stood here at the foot of the Himalayas. You've already climbed a mountain to get here. I was 12 years old when I first met you coming through the Yorkshire Academy. And the talent you had then was there for everyone to see. With that being said to get to 100 Test matches, it's not a straight road. You're gonna have to come over some roadblocks along the way. And one of your best strengths as a character and as a player is to be able to face challenges and adversity show huge amounts of tenacity," Root said in his speech.

Root concluded his speech with a playful jab at Bairstow, suggesting that he should remain firmly planted in his crease and avoid getting run out during his 100th Test match. The 33-year-old's light-hearted comment referenced the batter's dismissal during the Ashes at Lord's in 2023 when he was run out after straying from his crease too early by Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, sparking significant controversy.

"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 100 games, you've broken and set so 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 you've been at the forefront of some of England's greatest ever test wins," he added.

Also read: India vs England 5th Test, Day 1, Stats Review: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s feat, R Ashwin, Jonny Bairstow’s landmark match, and other stats

Watch Bairstow's cap presentation ceremony here:

Bairstow, your dad is shining down, and you're beaming with pride: Root

The former England captain further spoke about Bairstow's family, stating that they would be immensely proud of him. He went on to mention David, the wicketkeeper-batter's father, suggesting that he would be shining down with pride upon his son's achievements.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: England fans build Jonny Bairstow's snowman ahead of his 100th Test

"We all know how proud Janet and 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, and you're 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 around at your house," Root concluded.