Graham Thorpe is someone who I owe a lot to: Joe Root

Joe Root paid an emotional tribute to late Graham Thorpe after scoring a record-equalling 33rd Test century on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s on August 29 (Thursday), saying much of his success was down to the impact of his former coach.

This knock meant Root has now equaled Sir Alastair Cook's record for the most Test hundreds by an England batter. Root immediately pointed to the sky after reaching three figures in a gesture in memory of former England batter and assistant coach Thorpe, who died aged 55 earlier this month after taking his own life.

Also read - Root continues to script history with 33rd Test century

Root crafted 143 off 206 deliveries and propelled England to a commanding position - 358/7 - after they were reduced to 216/6. “I've been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors, and Thorpey was one of those people who offered me so much," said Root.

"It was nice to be able to think of him (Thorpe) in that moment. He's someone I'm sorely going to miss, and who I owe a lot to. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help, I definitely wouldn't be where I am now."

Thorpe, who won exactly 100 Test caps, was widely regarded as the best England batter of his generation. The stylish left-hander was also one of the first to recognise Root's talent.

"The first time I came across him was a second-team game at Stamford Bridge for Yorkshire against Surrey (in 2010). The following year, I made my way into the County Championship team and he was involved with the England Lions. Before I'd even made a hundred at first-class level, he picked me for a Lions game against Sri Lanka at Scarborough.

"He saw something with me, and pushed hard for me to go away that winter and worked with him. We worked tirelessly on my game against spin - being able to get close to the ball, get away from it, utilising different sweeps - and also against pace... working very hard to make sure that those areas of the game which are different to county cricket, you are up to speed with.

“You're always having to evolve as a player, and you need people that you can bounce ideas off, people that can take pressure off you in different ways, and know how to talk to you when things aren't going well - and also when they are going well. I was very lucky to have someone like him... he was the one guy that was constant throughout that 10, 11, 12-year period.

"I could go to him under pressure, and I have a really good understanding of my own game and it evolved into more: I became good friends, and I really enjoyed spending a lot of time with him. It was nice to pay a small tribute. It's nothing, but he means a lot to me - and that was a small thank you."

When Root touched 82, it was enough to take him past Cook’s tally of most runs in England (6569). It wasn’t the only record that the Yorkshireman broke during day one of the Lord’s Test, with him surpassing Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s record of 96 fifty-plus scores. Root is now just 198 runs away from becoming the country's top run-getter in Test cricket.

(With inputs from AFP)

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