Published 23:09 IST, September 6th 2019
Steve Smith or Virat Kohli? Shane Warne picks his best batsman
Steve Smith dethroned Virat Kohli to become the best batsman in Tests. However, Shane Warne came up with his opinion with regards to who the best batsman is.
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Steve Smith has proved why he is the best Test batsman and arguably the greatest of this generation in the fourth Test match against arch-rivals England at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Smith has had a great Ashes series so far. The charismatic Australian batsman had dethroned Virat Kohli to become the number one batsman in ICC Test rankings. Steve Smith has scored 589 runs in the three Tests that he has featured in. The former Australian skipper had missed the previous Test match due to a concussion after he was floored by Jofra Archer in the second Test at Lord's. Meanwhile, Steve Smith's countryman Shane Warne came forward to pick his favourite between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli.
Shane Warne makes his choice between Smith and Kohli
Both Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are two best of the finest and the best batsmen of modern-day cricket and both of them are in the 'Fab 4' list as well. Nonetheless, Shane Warne came forward to pick his favourite amongst Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. Speaking to a news agency, Shane Warne said that as far as Test cricket goes, it was really a tough one between Virat and Smith but if he had to pick one in Tests, then it would be Steve Smith. The spin legend from Australia also added that if he lost that and had Virat Kohli then he would still be happy as the Indian skipper is a legend. However, Shane Warne admitted that Virat Kohli is the best batsman across all formats of the game. Shane Warne then said that Viv Richards was the best ODI batsman that he had seen and probably in all forms of cricket but now Virat Kohli is the greatest ODI player that everyone has seen. Warne, who is the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests also added that Kohli overtakes Viv Richards according to him.
Steve Smith in the form of his life
Steve Smith continued his splendid form in the ongoing Ashes series as he scored his third double century against England. Smith had also raced his way to 26th Test hundred as he not only surpassed Virat Kohli but also Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-fastest batsman to 26 tons in the game's longest format. Steve Smith scored a 319-ball 211 which included a couple of lifelines. After Archer had dropped him off his own bowling, Smith was dismissed by Jack Leach for 118. Unfortunately, replays showed that Leach had overstepped and he came back to the crease. In the end, Smith's double ton helped Australia reach 497/8 post which they declared their innings. Smith now has 589 runs in this Ashes series.
20:31 IST, September 6th 2019