Cricket

Virat Kohli vs. Joe Root: Dinesh Karthik's Choice for the Best Test BatterFormer Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has sparked a debate by choosing Virat Kohli over Joe Root as the best Test batter of the current generation. Despite Root's superior statistical record, Karthik's preference stems from his close association with Kohli and his unwavering belief in his ability to perform under pressure.Karthik, who has shared the dressing room with Kohli for over a decade, acknowledges Root's impressive statistics but expresses a personal bias towards Kohli. He highlights Kohli's exceptional ability to excel in crucial moments and big series."Numbers will tell you it's Joe Root, but my heart, the fact that he (Kohli) is someone that I've seen play in close quarters for the longest time now, over a decade. I know how he loves playing those big moments, big series. And if somebody asks him questions, he will come back to you with answers so strong that you will be like, 'Wow, why did I even ask that question'," Karthik explained.While Root has recently surpassed Alastair Cook to become England's leading century-maker in Test cricket with 34 centuries, Kohli has faced a decline in form. However, Karthik's admiration for Kohli is rooted in his ability to perform when it is most needed."If I were given a choice of who would bat for my life, it would be Kohli. No doubt," Karthik added, emphasizing Kohli's dependability under pressure.Kohli's aggressive style and leadership in key matches have earned him widespread praise. Despite recent challenges, Karthik's support reflects a belief in Kohli's capability to win matches.

The term "Fab Four" was coined by Martin Crowe to describe the exceptional batting prowess of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. These four players have dominated Test cricket for the past decade, captivating audiences with their skill and consistency.In recent years, Williamson and Root have been in particularly impressive form, while Smith and Kohli have struggled to maintain their previous dominance. Root's recent twin centuries against Sri Lanka highlight his continued appetite for runs, while Williamson's average of 67.54 since 2020 is a testament to his batting prowess.Williamson has expressed his admiration for Root's performances, calling him "phenomenal" and praising his ability to convert fifties into centuries. He also acknowledged the contributions of Kohli and Smith, stating that they have "moved the game forward in a big way."Despite the comparisons and discussions about who is the best among the Fab Four, Williamson downplayed the idea that their performances serve as motivation for him. He emphasized that his primary motivation is to perform for his country and team.New Zealand, the reigning World Test Championship champions, will face a challenging schedule of six Tests in the sub-continent over the next two months. Williamson expressed excitement about the upcoming matches, viewing them as a tournament-like experience within the World Test Championship.

The modern era of cricket has been graced by four exceptional batters who have dominated the sport: Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. Known as "The Fab Four," these players have etched their names in cricket history with their remarkable performances. However, the debate over who stands as the greatest among them continues to ignite discussions.Recently, legendary Australian women's cricket star Alyssa Healy weighed in on the topic, offering her analytical perspective. While acknowledging the greatness of all four batters, Healy placed Virat Kohli at the bottom of her ranking."If I'm purely basing it on numbers, I'm going to put Kohli as fourth," Healy explained. "But I actually rate him as No. 1 in everything else."Healy's reasoning stems from the sheer volume of cricket Kohli plays and the immense pressure he faces. Despite his impressive statistics, Healy believes that Kohli's numbers are slightly diminished by the support he receives from his teammates.In contrast, Healy placed Kane Williamson at the top of her list. She highlighted Williamson's ability to carry the entire New Zealand team on his shoulders, playing a pivotal role in their success."Williamson has carried the whole New Zealand team," Healy said. "If he doesn't make those runs, New Zealand don't get anywhere near winning."Healy also ranked Joe Root third and Steve Smith second, citing their consistent performances and impact on their respective teams.The debate over who is the greatest among "The Fab Four" is likely to continue for years to come. However, Healy's analytical approach provides a fresh perspective on the topic, highlighting the unique strengths and contributions of each player.

England, riding high on a 2-0 lead, aims to seal a clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the third and final Test match of the series. The hosts have been in imperious form throughout the series, showcasing the depth of their squad with impressive performances from both established and emerging players.Joe Root has been the talisman for England, leading from the front with his prolific batting. However, the likes of Jamie Smith, Matthew Potts, and Gus Atkinson have also made significant contributions, proving their worth in the international arena.For Sri Lanka, the task ahead is daunting. They have struggled to match England's intensity and skill, and a turnaround in fortunes is imperative if they are to avoid a whitewash. The visitors will need their senior players, such as Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, to step up and inspire the team.The third Test promises to be an intriguing contest, with England seeking to maintain their dominance and Sri Lanka desperate to salvage some pride. The match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, starting on June 23.

Joe Root's remarkable form in Test cricket continues to soar, with the England batter etching his name into the history books. In the second Test against Sri Lanka, Root notched up two centuries, surpassing Alastair Cook as England's leading century-maker in the format. With 34 tons to his name, Root now stands as the most prolific English batter in Test cricket.Root's exceptional performance has sparked speculation about whether he can surpass the all-time run-scoring record held by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar amassed an astonishing 15,921 runs in Test cricket, a feat that has remained unmatched for over a decade.Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Root has the potential to break Tendulkar's record. "He has three and a half thousand runs to trail by. He has three years. Unless his back snaps, he is the most enthusiastic lover of the game," Vaughan said. "I don't think he is going to get away. He is no longer the captain and knows his game better than ever before. I'll be amazed if he doesn't."Vaughan also acknowledged the significance of Root's achievement for Test cricket. "If Joe goes past Sachin, it will be the best thing that would ever happen to Test cricket, because there's no way BCCI would want an England player at the top of the list. They'll want an Indian at the top so that will secure Test match cricket because it'll take forever for someone to get past him."Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, however, expressed caution. "Don't know. How old is he? 33? He's a youngster. I have no idea when his appetite is going to slow down. He is clearly pretty hungry at the moment. But does he have the desire to go on? He is going to phase himself out of white ball completely. Sorry, I will answer that question about Joe after the Ashes next year."Root's journey to the top of England's batting charts has been marked by consistency and resilience. The 33-year-old has amassed over 12,000 Test runs, averaging over 50. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected batters in the world.As Root continues to pile up runs, the debate over whether he can surpass Tendulkar's record will intensify. While the task is undoubtedly daunting, Root's unwavering focus and exceptional talent suggest that he has the potential to achieve the seemingly impossible.

In a recent discussion, former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist engaged in a lively debate over who they considered the best Test batter in the world. While both agreed that India's Virat Kohli reigns supreme in limited overs cricket, their opinions diverged when it came to the longest format of the game.Vaughan staunchly backed his compatriot Joe Root, citing his exceptional recent form in Test cricket. Root's remarkable achievement of scoring centuries in both innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's last month propelled him past Alastair Cook as England's player with the most Test centuries.However, Gilchrist countered Vaughan's argument by highlighting Root's lack of a Test century in Australia. He also lauded Kohli's unforgettable 123 against Australia at Perth in 2018, describing it as one of the finest knocks he had ever witnessed."In the last short while, over a long period, Joe Root's stats are...well, he is the best England ever had," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. "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."Vaughan conceded that Kohli was the superior batter in Australia but maintained that Root was his choice elsewhere. "I wouldn't argue with that in Australia. I would say Virat in Australia against the Aussies, anywhere else I'm going Joe Root," Vaughan responded.Root's current form is undeniable. His 33rd and 34th Test centuries at Lord's showcased his exceptional batting prowess. Kohli, on the other hand, has endured a lean patch since his last century against West Indies in July 2023.Statistically, Kohli holds a slight edge over Root in Test cricket. He has amassed 8,848 runs from 113 Tests, with 29 hundreds to his name. Root, meanwhile, has accumulated 12,377 runs from 145 Tests, boasting a stunning average of 50.93.Ultimately, the debate over who is the best Test batter in the world remains subjective. Both Root and Kohli possess exceptional skills and have achieved remarkable feats in the longest format of the game. Their rivalry promises to continue captivating cricket fans for years to come.

Legendary West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose, renowned for his intimidating pace and bounce, has expressed his admiration for three contemporary batsmen: Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Joe Root. Ambrose, who terrorized batsmen during his illustrious career, believes these players possess exceptional skills and would have been formidable opponents.Ambrose's illustrious career spanned 98 Test matches, during which he claimed 405 wickets. His overall international tally stands at 630 wickets, solidifying his status as one of cricket's most feared bowlers. Despite the dominance of batsmen in modern cricket, Ambrose remains concerned about the lack of recognition given to bowlers."Yes, I feel so sometimes," Ambrose said. "I have been in cricket for so long. Most of the time, if you ask someone their favorite cricketer, they would name a batter. I have played some great matches with them, and I admire them. But as a former fast bowler, I will lean towards the bowlers."Ambrose's admiration for Pakistan's Wasim Akram, another legendary fast bowler, is evident. He believes Akram's exceptional skills and longevity make him one of the greatest bowlers of all time.Ambrose also shared his wisdom with aspiring cricketers, emphasizing the importance of developing skills and playing red-ball cricket. "I would like to advise them (youngsters) to work on their skill-set and play more red-ball cricket," he said. "It is easier to transform your red-ball game and form into T20s. Most of the players doing well in T20s have played red-ball cricket and understand batsmanship."Ambrose's advice highlights the fundamental importance of mastering the traditional format of the game. By honing their skills in red-ball cricket, young players can develop a solid foundation that will enable them to succeed in all formats of the sport.

Joe Root's exceptional batting performance in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka has left the hosts scratching their heads for a solution. With scores of 42, 62 not out, 143, and 103, Root has been the cornerstone of England's dominance.Root's mastery against Sri Lanka is evident in his impressive average of 67.55 against them. In his previous series against the same opposition, he notched up scores of 186 and 228, showcasing his ability to dominate on Sri Lankan pitches.His technical prowess is evident in his skillful sweeps and reverse-sweeps, as well as his proactive approach against seamers. When he chooses to defend, Root's technique is considered one of the best in the game.Sri Lanka's team discussions have been dominated by the question of how to dismiss Root. Senior batter Dimuth Karunaratne revealed that they have tried various plans but have been unsuccessful due to Root's consistent excellence."We've tried a few things against Joe but they were always unsuccessful," Karunaratne said. "I think the turning points in the matches have been those Joe Root innings."Karunaratne believes that Sri Lanka may need to adopt a less aggressive approach against Root. "Maybe sometimes we attack him too much and he takes advantage of that," he said. "Some players don't like it when we ask them to be less aggressive. Sometimes boring batters out can also be a tactic."However, Sri Lanka's problems extend beyond Root's dominance. Their senior batters have failed to make significant contributions, with only six fifties in 16 combined innings. Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dhananjaya de Silva have all had fifty-plus scores but have not made a lasting impact."The seniors have talked a lot about how to perform and ease the pressure on the juniors," Karunaratne said. "The juniors have been doing well, especially Kamindu Mendis. Some people adapt very fast to conditions and some struggle."Karunaratne emphasized the difficulty of batting in Sri Lanka, citing the struggles of England's openers and No. 3 batter. "In England the conditions are tough for batters, and we saw that even their openers struggled, as well as their No. 3," he said. "Apart from Joe Root the others also struggled despite this being home conditions for them."

Joe Root's exceptional batting form has propelled him to the summit of the ICC Test Batter Rankings, extending his lead over New Zealand's Kane Williamson. Root's consecutive centuries have solidified his position as the world's top batter, with a 63-point advantage over Williamson.In the latest rankings update, Gus Atkinson's all-around brilliance against Sri Lanka has earned him significant gains. Atkinson's century and five-wicket haul at Lord's have elevated him into the top 20 all-rounders and top 30 bowlers.Despite Sri Lanka's series defeat to England, several players have made positive strides in the rankings. Kamindu Mendis' half-centuries have moved him up 11 spots to 25th, while Asitha Fernando's eight-wicket performance has propelled him into the top ten bowlers for the first time.Bangladesh's clean sweep of Pakistan has resulted in several Tigers making gains. Litton Das' century in the first Test has pushed him up 12 places to 15th in the batting rankings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz's all-around contributions have seen him rise to 7th in the all-rounders list. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana have also achieved career-best rankings in bowling.In the shortest format, Nicolas Pooran's impressive knock against South Africa has moved him up to eighth in the T20I Batting Rankings. Shai Hope's consistent performances have earned him a 32-spot jump to 40th. Protea Aiden Markram has also joined Pooran in the top 10.American all-rounder Harmeet Singh has made significant strides in the bowling rankings, jumping 48 spots. He has also climbed 19 spots to 40th in the All-Rounder Rankings.