Joe Root & Ben Stokes' 'Pinkie' Celebration in IND vs ENG 2024 Ranchi Test

Joe Root brought out a unique celebration after reaching his 31st Test century, which helped England bounce back after being reduced to 112/5 in the first session on Day 1 of the fourth Test against India in Ranchi.

Root's form had been worrisome for England, who came into the clash trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. England finished the day at 302/7 as Root played a sensational knock of 106 not out off 226 balls, hitting nine boundaries. After reaching his 31st Test century, 10th against India, Root lifted his right hand and put out his pinkie finger. Ben Stokes knew the importance of the century from the veteran batter. He gave the right-handed batter a standing ovation and pointed his pinkie finger back at him.

Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Graeme Swann were on commentary at that time. The former Indian cricketers were curious about the meaning of the celebration and they sought an explanation from Swann. However, the former England off-spinner was also unaware of its meaning.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Root and Stokes have celebrated by showing their pinkie fingers after the former reached the magical three-figure mark. They brought out this celebration for the first time during Root's scintillating century against India in the final match of their five-match series in Birmingham in July 2022. The former England captain scored 142 not out while Jonny Bairstow remained unbeaten on 114 as the hosts chased down 378 in the fourth innings to level the series 2-2.

Check out Joe Root doing the 'Pinkie finger' celebration here:

Ben’s mentioned trying to be rockstars on the field, so it was a little tribute to him: Root

When Joe Root scored his century, he showed his pinkie to Stokes in the dressing room. Later, the star batter explained that Stokes was inspired by Elvis Presley and picked up the pinkie gesture. So, he gave a tribute to him by showing his pinkie finger.

“Ben’s mentioned trying to be rockstars on the field. So it’s about trying to have fun and really relish every opportunity and put on a show for everyone. 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 said back then as per Mirror.co.uk.

On Day 1, the pinkie celebration made a comeback as Root became the first batter to register 10 Test centuries against India. He will hope to add more runs to England's total and put the hosts under pressure on Day 2.

Also Read: 'Let the rest play Bazball' - AB de Villiers commends Joe Root's batting template on Day 1 of Ranchi Test