“I’d probably say Virat” – Adam Gilchrist settles debate between Joe Root and Virat Kohli
Amid growing debate over who is the best among Joe Root and Virat Kohli, former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has picked the erstwhile Indian captain. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter credited Root for his consistency but pointed out how he was mesmerized by Virat’s century in Perth, which left a lasting impact on him.
For the unversed, Kohli has played just one Test at WACA in Perth, scoring 123 runs off 257 balls against the Aussies in the first innings. The hosts had won the game by 146 runs.
Gilchrist told Club Prarie Fire Podcast:
“In the last short while. Over a long period, Joe Root's stats are..well he is the best England ever had.”
"Virat scored one of the best tons I've seen at the Perth stadium in the first Test match ever played there, that was probably different gravy. I'd probably say Virat," he added.
Joe Root has amassed 12,377 runs in 145 Tests at an average of 50.93, including 34 tons and 64 half-centuries. The 33-year-old averages 46.26 away from home, scoring 5644 runs in 68 Tests, hitting 13 tons and 32 fifties. Overall, Root has 19,792 runs in 348 international matches with the aid of 50 hundreds.
Meanwhile, Kohli has 8848 runs in 113 Tests at an average of 49.16, comprising 29 tons and 30 fifties. The 35-year-old averages 42.38 away from home, amassing 4704 runs in 63 Tests, including 15 centuries and 18 50s. Overall, Kohli has 26,942 runs in 533 games, including 80 tons.
“I would say Virat in Australia” – Michael Vaughan reacts to Virat Kohli vs Joe Root debate
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Joe Root has delivered everywhere barring in Australia, where Virat Kohli has been an absolute beast. The cricketer-turned-commentator said in the same show as Gilchrist:
"I wouldn't argue with that in Australia. I would say Virat in Australia against the Aussies, anywhere else I'm going Joe Root.”
In Australia, Virat Kohli has 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six tons and four half-centuries. On the contrary, Root averages 35.68 down under, scoring 892 runs in 14 Tests without any century but has nine fifties.