Regarding the India player's absence, Australia star Pat Cummins said: "It's going to be a shame that he is not there"
Root brought up his 35th Test hundred in the first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is equipped to "play in any conditions" but will need to make some mental adjustments for the upcoming tour of Australia, Brian Lara said.
Ponting went for two other greats of his generation as the most naturally talented batter and cricketer.
Viv Richards and Carl Hooper had demanded an apology from Brian Lara over claims made by the legendary West Indies batter in his book "Lara: The England Chronicles".
Two of the finest batters of all time, India great Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies legend Brian Lara broke several records during their playing days.
Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh did not include both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma while picking the top three batters in the world.
Brian Lara broke the record for must runs by a batter in a single innings of Test match not once, but twice.
Harbhajan Singh was asked to pick one between Brian Lara and Babar Azam, and what followed was absolute laughter from the former India player.
Rashid said the conviction that they could advance to the semifinals was ignited by their triumph over heavyweights New Zealand in the group stage.