Most heroes are often born in conflict situations. They bring with them that touch of extra magic creating an image that lasts most of their playing career.
It can also become an awful harbinger, and as such creates a millstone that causes any number of conundrums when faced with similar situations.
While batsmen all too often make their mark, bowlers too have the habit of causing surprises and as such demolish once-impregnable reputations. Pathways to success are littered all too often with such memorable efforts: it is the sustaining such achievements that lift some above the ordinary.
The question though is, given the choice, who would you go and pay to watch? VVS Laxman because of his ever silky and elegant skills; the sound and sensible if stylish technique of Rahul Dravid; or Sachin Tendulkar's ability to manufacture flair from nothing on treacherous surfaces; Sourav Ganguly's left-handed artistic grace and handsome richness of footwork with unhurried mannerisms; or be enthralled by the electrifying and combustible moods produced by Virender Sehwag?
Put them all together and be prepared for a strokemaking smorgasbord: piquant but with enough talent to nod with approval at what you see. What though, about someone who is barely known?
There are those who might argue against such comparisons, but it was impressive watching and analysing the left-handed style and mannerisms of a young South African, Jean-Paul Duminy in both Perth and at Australia's giant temple of the game, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to that of Dada.
Statistics have a habit of laying out the cold hard facts of a case when it comes to signposting victories as that achieved by the Proteas at the MCG. One is teams winning a Test having the highest deficit when losing their sixth wicket in the first innings.
For those with articulate memories, the figure 353 and 92 for six and Eden Gardens, 2000/01 may prompt a smile and recollection or two. Dismissed for 171 and following on – it is the third highest on the list. South Africa's 141 for six at the MCG is seventh. In this case though, there was though no follow on.
As with his ever energetic partner AB de Villiers in the great Perth fight-back, where the pitch presented few problems, which had Ricky Ponting bewailing the loss of bowling power, Duminy displayed his class.
Yet remember if you will that it was De Villiers who scored 217 in Ahmedabad last April with a strike rate above sixty-five that helped South Africa power their way at an innings and ninety runs victory, who help landscape the incredible Perth success.
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