When Joe Root stunned fans with an outrageous reverse scoop for six off seamer Tim Southee in a Test match against New Zealand, it was bound to inspire fans around the world to try and imitate the former England captain.
And after he played the same shot again to hit Shardul Thakur for six in England's record-breaking victory over India, one of those inspired by Root was village cricketer Mark Pankhurst.
Pankhurst plays village cricket for East Dean and Friston Cricket Club in the Sussex Cricket League and attempted to replicate Root's reverse scoop shot while batting in the nets.
However, his attempt went hilariously wrong as he missed the ball completely and fell backwards onto his own stumps. The clip went viral on social media and Pankhurst spoke to Cricket District about his effort.
"I was trying to play the Joe Root once in a lifetime reverse sweep and it just went a little bit wrong," he said. "I think it's now apparently over 3million views, unbelievable.
"A few of the boys sent it to me, which I didn't know about and I didn't know that they'd actually sent it in and I just couldn't believe it.
"I think it's good publicity for the club, even though I'm the idiot that did it! I only practice it in the nets and that's about it really, I wouldn't do it on game day!
"It doesn't matter what your ability is playing cricket. At East Dean, we're always looking for new players and it doesn't matter about the ability of the player.
"It's just about turning up, having fun and playing cricket how cricket should be played. That's what it should be all about, just having fun."
