Joe Root’s Greatness Sparks Heated Debate Among Former Players
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has defended Joe Root’s legacy. This follows a claim by ex-Australian coach Darren Lehmann. Lehmann said Root isn’t an all-time great since he hasn’t scored a Test hundred in Australia. The debate has reignited discussions about Root’s status among the greatest Test batters. Vaughan asserts that an English batter could surpass Tendulkar’s record for Test runs.
Root’s Record in Australia: A Point of Contention
Despite his great career, Joe Root has struggled in Australia. Across three Ashes series Down Under, Root has played 14 Tests, scoring 892 runs at an average of 35.68. His record has nine fifties and a best of 89. But, Root has yet to score a Test hundred in Australia.
With England touring Australia for the Ashes next year, the 32-year-old has a chance to silence his critics. He needs to score his first Test century on Australian soil.
Vaughan Labels Criticism as “Nonsense”
Speaking on SEN Mornings, Vaughan dismissed Lehmann’s remarks, calling them “nonsense.”
“What a load of nonsense. [Joe Root] is a player who could break the record for overall Test runs if he stays fit. Just because he hasn’t scored a Test hundred in Australia doesn’t mean this isn’t the be-all and end-all,” said Vaughan.
Vaughan was confident. Root’s form and England’s aggressive Test style, under coach McCullum, could help him in the next Ashes series.
Root’s Exceptional Test Career
Root has already cemented his place as one of England’s greatest batters. The right-hander has scored 12,777 Test runs. He surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s top run-scorer on the Pakistan tour. Root’s consistency with the bat has placed him well ahead of many contemporary greats.
Can Root Shine in the Next Ashes Series?
Michael Vaughan thinks Root’s critics may face a reckoning in the Ashes in Australia.
“With England’s Test cricket form, Root may score a couple of hundreds next year in Australia.” I have a feeling this might haunt Darren [Lehmann] next year,” Vaughan said.
England, however, will face a tough task to reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil. They haven’t done this since the 2010-11 series.
