Joe Root next in line for knighthood after England heroics against Pakistan

IT's time to commission a Joe Root textbook and hand it out to every aspiring young cricketer.

The 33-year-old surpassed Alastair Cook's record of 12,472 Test runs and it would take a very brave person to bet against him chasing down Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921. With time on his side, finishing top of the tree is well within touching distance.

Root has been the embodiment of consistency, resilience and class for English cricket over the past decade.

His performance on the pitch and behaviour off it should be shown as a shining example for future generations.

The Yorkshireman has never been involved in a street fight, sent derogatory text messages about team-mates, failed a drugs test, drunkenly piloted a pedalo or rubbed dirt onto the ball, like some of the England greats before him.

He has always been a squeaky-clean man of honour - all while maintaining an impeccable performance.

Essentially, he's the guy you want your daughter to bring home.

Root thoroughly deserved his MBE in the 2020 New Year's Honours list and was presented with his medal earlier this year.

It surely won't be long before he joins Sir Ian Botham and Sir Alastair Cook by taking the right knee before the King for the greatest UK honour - a knighthood.

Nadal send-off

Rafael Nadal will get a grand send-off at the Davis Cup - but it may come at a cost to his country.

Spain take on the Netherlands next month and there are eight Spaniards ranked above Nadal who could be picked.

But captain David Ferrer will be forced to choose his retiring 22-time Grand Slam winner, even if he is not match fit.