[red-block widget_catalog_id="dafa_in_6" title="CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET" link="https://bit.ly/478lv89"]
The cricketing world is abuzz with debate following Joe Root’s recent achievement of his 34th Test century, which has sparked renewed discussions about who is the premier batsman of this generation.
Root’s recent performance not only cemented his position as England’s leading century-maker but also placed him alongside cricketing legends such as Younis Khan and Sunil Gavaskar in the all-time Test century list.
Who do Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist prefer?
Michael Vaughan, reacting to Root's recent achievements, lauded the England batter's consistency and praised him for surpassing Alastair Cook's record for most centuries by an English player.
Vaughan argues that Root’s performance, especially his twin centuries in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, makes him the better Test batter when compared to Kohli.
On the other hand, Adam Gilchrist, speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, expressed a nuanced view.
Gilchrist said, "In the last short while. Over a long period of time Joe Root's stats are, well he's the best England ever had,"
MORE: Is Suryakumar Yadav injured? India T20I skipper set to miss opening round of Duleep Trophy
What are their views on specific conditions?
When discussing performances in Australia, Gilchrist pointed out that Root has yet to score a Test century on Australian soil. Vaughan, however, remains optimistic about Root achieving this milestone in the future.
Gilchrist recalled Kohli's remarkable century in Perth when he scored 123 during the 2018/19 series, despite India’s defeat in that match.
"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," said Gilchrist.
While Vaughan conceded that Kohli's performance in Australia is hard to beat, he maintains that Root's consistent excellence elsewhere makes him the preferable choice in other conditions.
MORE: Have Bangladesh defeated India in Tests?
"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 stated.
How do Virat Kohli and Joe Root's career stats compare?
Joe Root currently holds the sixth position among the highest run-scorers in Test history, with 12,377 runs at an average of 50.93, including 34 centuries and 64 half-centuries.
Root’s upcoming matches could potentially elevate him to the top five in the all-time list and make him England's leading run-scorer.
In contrast, Virat Kohli stands 19th in the all-time list with 8,848 runs from 113 Tests, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties.
With a busy year ahead for India, Kohli has the opportunity to join the ranks of batters with over 10,000 Test runs.