Joe Root says talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes is "at the peak of his powers" and England must "savour his greatness" after his man-of-the-match display in the win over West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford.
Stokes scored 176 from 356 balls in England's first innings and then blasted an unbeaten 78 from 57 deliveries in their second to set up a declaration an hour into day five, before the hosts rolled the Windies for 198.
"Everyone understands that we are watching a player at the peak of his powers at the peak of world cricket, who is delivering time and time again, " Root said of Stokes, who was also England's hero in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord's and the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley later that summer.
"We have to savour that, appreciate that and we have to understand that we are - without wanting to pump his tyres too much - in the presence of greatness.
"He's a genuine all-rounder player, something you don't see much in world cricket. He's someone you can genuinely turn to any time and he'll change you a game.
"He's Mr Incredible! He probably looks a bit the like the cartoon character, too! He's a similar shape, but probably a bit skinnier than him now.
"Ben can come in and play through a range of gears and situations - it shows how valuable he is to our team," Root added of Stokes, who captained England in the first Test while Root attended the birth of his second child.
"He doesn't surprise me. You watch how he goes about his business in practice whether it be fitness or anything, he leads the way in many respects.
"The sky is the limit for him. He seems to want to keep getting better and better and we're seeing those results out on the field.
"It's great for a lot of the young guys to see that - you've got to put the hard yards in and he certainly does that. We're starting to see that feed into the rest of the team, which is a great place to be."
Stokes added: "I've been round a long time now and I have that understanding of the role models we are.
"We want to pave the way for England cricketers in 20 years' time. It's not all about the present, it's about taking the cap forward.
"Hopefully that motto - taking the cap forward - is still there in 20 years. We've a duty to win games but also to youngsters who want to aspire to be like us."
Broad has 'lot of cricket ahead of him'
Root also said the "brilliant" Stuart Broad has "a lot of cricket ahead of him" after his wickets helped England level the #raisethebat series with one game to play, also at Emirates Old Trafford.
Broad, 34, admitted he was "angry and gutted" after being omitted from the first Test against West Indies, which England lost by four wickets.
But the seamer returned in style at Emirates Old Trafford, taking three wickets in 14 balls in West Indies' first innings and then three more in their second as the tourists slipped to 37-4 on the final day.
"You always expect that from Stuart - when he says something he generally goes out there and tries to back it up," said Root.
"He put in a brilliant performance, especially late on in the first innings and then [on day five]. He led the attack brilliantly. As we have always said, he has a lot of cricket ahead of him.
"When he does get the ball in his hand you think there is always that spell where he can turn a game and he certainly did that this week."
On Dom Sibley, who amassed 120 from 372 balls and shared a 260-run stand with Stokes as England posted 469-9 declared after losing the toss, Root added: "That's what we want from him.
"That big contribution at the start of an innings and to set the platform. He obviously wants to bat time - he played exceptionally well and he seems to get better the more he plays.
"It was a brilliant week's cricket from the outset. Making a 400-plus score for the third time in four games - we're making real progress in that.
"It's something that we've set out to do and we're starting to see it more consistently which is really pleasing."
Watch the series decider between England and West Indies, at Emirates Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Friday.