ARISE SIR JOE

There is now nobody more deserving of the ultimate honour than this ultimate batter

- COMMENT BY JEREMY CROSS

THE superlatives for Joe Root ran out a long time ago.

But no one in the world of cricket stood a chance of ever forgetting what an exceptional and special sportsman he is.

Throw in the fact he has finally made certain Australians choke on large portions of humble pie.

Not to mention spare us all the sight of Matthew Hayden walking naked around Melbourne Cricket Ground - and Root's legend is complete.

Just like his remarkable CV is, following a maiden Test century Down Under.

Root could have been forgiven for doing a lap of honour around the Gabba when reaching his milestone in Brisbane.

Because this was the one achievement he wanted more than anything. It had been a lifelong itch he had been unable to scratch.

But Root removed his helmet, kissed the badge and raised his bat to the crowd.

No histrionics.