The dying enthusiasm of Test Cricket compared to its counterparts, ODI’s and T20’s was restored through the current Ashes series, where Steve Smith’s resolute performance turn the attention back to the format that was raging once. After serving a one-year ban from the game, Steve Smith came back as a composed man, with a single agenda of representing his nation and the game. Be it redemption or a simple case of a heroic comeback, Smith have gallantly raised the stakes, but more importantly, he has achieved the best test batsmen feat surpassing over Virat Kohli.
The No.1 Test Batsman’s slot have been earned by Steve Smith, but the debate on Smith-Kohli, and who is better among the two refuses to die down. Commenting on the subject, Shane Warne also stated his opinion. In Warne’s opinion, Smith would be one for his choice while in Test format, but Virat still holds an upper-hand across all formats, if given a choice.
Warne went on to say, the choice would be tough one as both the cricketers are legends in their jobs, and play the game with utmost passion. On stating that, Virat Kohli will be the one he would pick for across all formats, he said, that Kohli is the greatest batsman considered to be in this era, like Viv Richards was considered in his time, but for Warne, Kohli might even surpass Richards, at least in this time.
On Virat Kohli being the captain for the Indian national side, Warne quoted, “I think he is a wonderful leader. You are never the best version of yourself when you first start as captain and it generally takes a bit of time. I think he is growing into the role. I think maybe he was a little bit too emotional when he took over, but I love his passion and I think he is starting to get the balance between emotion, passion and being calm. I think he is also getting better tactically”.
However, Shane Warne, appreciated both of the player’s efforts on the field to make cricket an enchanting game for the spectators, and especially Steve Smith, for 479 runs in three Test matches with an outstanding average of 159.66 and raising the spirit of Test cricket in a time when it needed the most.
