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A 269-run partnership between Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow was enough for England to create history after they completed their highest successful run chase in the longest format of the game with a seven-wicket win over India at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Tuesday. It was an important win for the hosts, who ensured that the Pataudi series ended on a 2-2 draw, with the third Test of the series ending in a draw after rains.
Leading the line was former England captain Root, who smashed his 28th Test ton on Day 5 of the fifth Test to help his side register a massive seven-wicket victory over the visitors. After completing his century Root celebrated it in a unique style where he was seen raising his pinky finger to the crowd.
The celebration could have been inspired by the recently released Hollywood movie Elvis by actor Austin Butler, In the movie, Butler plays Elvis in this movie and use his pinky finger in many scenes.
Their win denied India their first series win on English soil since 2007. They have also completed the most successful run chase at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, India were handed over their first Test loss while defending a total of 350 or more.
With Root (76*) and Bairstow (72*) making things comfortable on Day 4, the duo's strokeplay and determination did not change on the final day. They completed their 200-run and 250-run partnerships with ease, while also reaching their 12th and 28th Test tons respectively. It was Root who hit Jadeja for the winning single in the 78th over of the game. England finished off at 378/3, with Root (142*) and Bairstow (114*) standing tall.
