Legend has it that he was inspired to adopt this style after watching his sister use it, as a practical way to counter her clothing which was getting in her way, while practising cricket with her brother. What am I talking about and who is this person? (of course, this is a legend whose accuracy is not guaranteed but an interesting one nevertheless). The first time he did it in a match, he was disallowed by the umpire and he left the field in disgust, mounting his horse, never to return to the field!
Over the years, it has become such a common aspect of cricket.