Joe Root, the England cricketer, has long been admired not just for his batting genius but also for the grace and humility he carries off the field. During the third ODI against South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, he reminded everyone of the same when he surprised a young fan by gifting him his batting gloves.
The boy, who was trying to capture a selfie with Joe Root in the background, was left speechless when the Englishman handed over the gloves he had just used to score a brilliant century. The youngster clutched them tightly, refusing to share even with the man beside him, likely his father, while the crowd around applauded warmly.
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Joe Root’s gesture quickly went viral but the story of those gloves was equally special. With them, Root had crafted a superb 96-ball hundred, his 19th in ODIs, striking just six boundaries but showing his mastery of pacing an innings through sharp running between the wickets. His knock laid the foundation for England’s imposing total and drew rich praise from commentators who called it a lesson in one-day batting.
The day belonged not just to Joe Root but also to Jacob Bethell. The 21 years old left-hander struck his maiden century, an electrifying 110 from 82 balls with 13 fours and 3 sixes. Having admitted earlier that he hadn’t played enough cricket over the summer, Jacob Bethell made the most of his opportunity, combining with Joe Root in a 182-run stand that broke South Africa’s spirits. Hugging his senior partner after reaching three figures, Jacob Bethell showed why England considers him a star in the making. His hundred, England’s third fastest against South Africa, announced him on the big stage.
England’s batting dominance continued as Jos Buttler smashed an unbeaten 62 from 32 balls, taking the team to a massive 414 for 5, one of their highest ODI totals. The innings was a blend of experience and youthful flair and it left the crowd buzzing with excitement.
South Africa, chasing 415, had no answers to England’s fiery attack. They collapsed for just 72 runs, barely lasting 21 overs. Jofra Archer led the charge with pace and precision and Adil Rashid cleaned up the tail to seal a historic 342-run win, the largest margin in the ODI history.
It was a day of records, joy and generosity. Joe Root’s century and his thoughtful act towards a young fan summed up what cricket can be at its best — skill, spirit and a touch of humanity!
