England legend Ian Botham has predicted that batsman Joe Root will go on to become "one of the greats" of English cricket.

Root averages an impressive 57.11 in 24 Test matches, and scored a fine 182 not out against the West Indies last week.

The 24-year-old has already notched up six Test centuries, and passed 2000 Test runs in Grenada.

Botham told Sky Sports News: "The amazing thing with Root is that when he goes out to bat, he just makes it look so easy. Other people are scratching around and can't get the ball off the square but he just comes out and takes the game to the bowlers. He's going to be one of the greats.

"He played magnificently [in the second Test], with a good tempo and attacks magnificently when he feels the time is right."

Root has scored at least a half-century in each of his last seven Test matches.