Crossword Genius

Lead batsman to become established (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

take root

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'become established' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'lead batsman' is the wordplay.
'lead' becomes 'take' (synonyms).
'batsman' becomes 'root' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'take'+'root'='TAKE ROOT'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for take root that I've seen before include "perform mathematical task" , "Settle down" , "Embed firmly" , "Send down shoots or become established" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app