Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith- the two biggest names of Indian and Australian cricket scenes have always been on point of rivalry in the last few years. While the captain of Team India is leading ICC’s both Test and ODI rankings, the former Aussie skipper is closely following Kohli as the world no. 2 batsman in red ball cricket. While the fandom has split between who has the upper edge, a stout verdict comes straight from the legendary English cricketer Michael Vaughan himself, who chooses Virat Kohli as the finest.
India had a substantial comeback in the recent One Day International series against Australia, and a major factor of it goes to Kohli and his decision to change up the game plan before the second ODI.
Despite two back to back losses in the second and third game, Steve Smith performed a stunning knock of 98 in the second match, and a marvellous 131 in the final game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was his first century in the last three years.
Yesterday, the official Twitter handle of cricket.com.au posted a video commemorating Smith, with the caption: “After his superb 131 in Bengaluru, we wind the clock back three years to the last time Steve Smith reached 💯 for Australia in 50-over cricket!” Check it out here-
After his superb 131 in Bengaluru, we wind the clock back three years to the last time Steve Smith reached 💯 for Australia in 50-over cricket! 👏 pic.twitter.com/htKDte26GM
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 20, 2020
Daniel Alexander, the administrator at Sri Lankan cricket website ‘Island Cricket’, retweeted the clip, along with which he praised the 30 year old: “Steve Smith finest all format batsman at present. proved it yet again”
Steve Smith finest all format batsman at present. proved it yet again
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) January 20, 2020
However, Michael Vaughan chose to differ. The 45 year old, who captained the ENglish cricket team in all three formats, replied to Daniel’s tweet, stating his opinion: “Disagree … Virat is the best all round … !!”
Disagree … Virat is the best all round … !! https://t.co/zJPt7v8ewS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 20, 2020
Kohli, despite an overall less score than Smith, showcased a similarly consistent performance, with a 78-off-76 in the second match and scoring 89 in the series decider on Sunday.
While Kohli and the squad are travelling to New Zealand this Friday, the Aussies are taking on South Africa in February.
Also read-
Aussie batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne names Virat Kohli amongst his role models!
Virat Kohli usurps Steve Smith to claim number 1 spot in ICC Test ranking
