Vaughan and Gilchrist Debate: Root vs. Kohli for Test Supremacy

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.

Tags: #Cricket, #TestCricket, #JoeRoot, #ViratKohli, #MichaelVaughan