A slew of batsmen are emerging on the world scene who are producing compelling performances and doing so consistently. A look at three in particular - Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Steve Smith - who find themselves in the midst of an extended purple patch.

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