How good is the next batting generation?
We assess three of the game's finest prospects for the future
- Since the beginning of 2014, Smith, Williamson and Root are the only batsmen to average more than 70 in Tests (with a 1000-run cut-off)
- There has never previously been an instance of three batsmen, all under 27, averaging 60-plus in Tests over the same two consecutive calendar years (with a 1000-run cut-off)
- All three batsmen have done well at home, but also have fine records in more unfamiliar conditions
S Rajesh is stats editor of ESPNcricinfo. @rajeshstats