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The Hindu
The Hindu
Sport
K.C. Vijaya Kumar

Root carves his niche in the pantheon after an immortal 18 months

Root Sachin Tendulkar Graeme Smith Robin Smith Steve Smith Alastair Cook Vivian Richards England Ben Stokes David Gower
Mastering the chase: Root showed that he can handle the pressure of a tricky fourth innings pursuit by steering England to victory against New Zealand at Lord’s. (Source: Getty Images)
All-weather man: Root, who is adept against both pace and spin, has made runs on all surfaces. (Source: Getty Images)

Batters are forever judged against two elusive benchmarks. One is a staggering numerical yardstick: 99.94, Don Bradman’s Test average. This is divine consistency marred by the mortal blemish of a meagre .06 percentage points. The other is a mystical aura that combines swagger, the disdainful emasculation of chewing gum and those rip-roaring shots deflating most bowlers, the kind that Vivian Richards exuded all through his career.

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