Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist has picked Virat Kohli ahead of Joe Root, considering when the duo have played in Australia. Root has been in sublime form in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka. The former England skipper has amassed 350 runs in the first two Test matches at an unbelievable average of 116.67, including two centuries against the visitors.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has performed consistently for India over the years. Kohli didn’t have a great run in the T20 World Cup however he scored a match-winning knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the final against South Africa at Barbados.
Meanwhile, Kohli had scored a majestic knock of 123 runs at the WACA, Perth off 257 balls and Gilchrist tipped that century as one of the best he has seen in Perth.
Gilchrist said on 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.
On the other hand, former England captain Vaughan also picked Virat Kohli ahead of Joe Root if the criteria is playing on Australian soil.
“I wouldn’t argue with that in Australia. I would say Virat in Australia against the Aussies, anywhere else I’m going Joe Root.”
Joe Root has scored 892 runs in 14 Test matches while playing on Australian soil at an average of 35.68. He hasn’t yet scored a century in Australia and his highest score is 89.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.