Though pope

Old Trafford Stadium: Joe Root found himself channeling his "inner Nasser Hussain" after England found themselves in a taxing run chase of 205 in a tricky slow pitch against Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Old Trafford Stadium.

Root's task was not to dominate but to endure, and in doing so, he crafted an innings of 62 not out that would prove vital in England's hard-fought five-wicket victory. Root's unbeaten 62 from 128 balls was the anchor that held England's innings together.

Shortly following England's five-wicket victory on the fourth evening of the match, Root spoke with Hussain and Ian Ward on Sky Sports. He mentioned Hussain's well-known nuggety batting style and career strike-rate of forty, adding that he was also now referred to as "Geoff" in the England dressing room, a reference to another legendary English player from the past, Geoff Boycott.