[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Joe Root - following his career trajectory

[Joseph Gomes]

Williamson averages 55 at home and 47 away. You could argue that he padded his stats against Bangla, but he doesn't really have a weakness against any team. 36 vs England with three centuries is his least good return.

Root has caught up with Williamson because he is absolutely hammering it now, with nine centuries in his last 21 tests.

Williamson's away performance is horrendous. I am not sure if you are aware, but Topspin has posted his career stats above. I stand by what I wrote above, Williamson is the biggest statpadding minnowbasher in test cricket, and the worst batsman to average above 50 (by some distance too).

Comparing Williamson to Smith and Root is an insult to the latter two imho.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Smith has had a better Test career overall but he has been off the boil since 2019 Ashes, and Root has closed the gap. However, there is no doubt Smith is the better Test batsman when you take their whole careers.

Williamson is not better, never has been. It is a laughable assertion - Root has outclassed him in almost every major country, and Root hasn’t had the privilege of playing numerous matches against Bangladesh at home to boost his record.

Root has been outstanding for two years now and has carried the English lineup, so I’m not sure what you mean by “one outstanding performance”.

The assertion that Williamson is better because he carries the New Zealand team doesn’t hold any importance when you compare him to Root because he has even more weight on his shoulders.

The New Zealand batting lineup minus Williamson is better and has performed better over the last couple of years than the English batting lineup minus Root.

You are convincingly wrong about Root, and you are convincingly wrong in your assessment that Williamson is better than Root. It is up to you to admit it and move on or continue to clutch at straws.

Lol you argue like a child mate. "You are convincingly wrong", "you are convincingly wrong in your assessment", what are you, 12?

Difference between Root and Williamson is that unlike, Root, Williamson's contributions actually mean something because they help New Zealand win matches. Barring the series in Sri Lanka, Root has failed to win a single major series for his side. And this stretches way back, and doesn't just include the outstanding run of form he has been on recently.

You can keep living in your deluded fantasy where you think Root is better than Williamson. I guess it must be true what they say, that ignorance is bliss. But Williamson is not only a more technically sound batter but also a better batter period who consistently wins New Zealand matches and steps up in clutch situations. Rather than buckle under the pressure of captaincy, he has lead from the front and turned New Zealand into a top level side across formats and lead them to a WTC win aswell.

Unfortunately he won't be lucky enough to play 200 test matches like Root. He isn't English.

But then I'm pretty sure he won't be going through a mental crisis for 2 or so years either where he can't cross 50...

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Root's record is more balanced against top opponents than Williamson's.
Currently, I'd go

Smith
Root
KW
Kohli

How many of Root's contributions have actually helped England win test matches and series though? Simply scoring runs is not enough if your side isn't winning test matches. It's laughable to me that certain posters here are calling Williamson a stat padder because it tells me that they have just looked at a bunch of numbers without any context, and probably haven't been watching much cricket in recent years.

The biggest stat padder out there is Root who essentially went on a two year run where he was only scoring half centuries. That's the literal definition of stat padding. Scoring a completely meaningless half century that will likely make no difference on your side's chances. And let's not forget that he plays more test matches than any of the other three, which means he can fail far more, which he has.

By comparison, Williamson plays far less matches and therefore has a far lesser margin of error. He doesn't have the luxury to go on a 2 year run of scoring just half centuries. And no, its not his fault that if NZC organized more series against lower-ranked sides in a given year than against higher-ranked sides. His job is to go there and lead from the front and that's exactly what he does.

Just look at his numbers from 2014. Barring last year where he averaged 46, he has averaged 50+ every single year. That is the definition of consistency and something that neither Root, Kohli or Smith can claim to have done.

But ofcourse because he is a New Zealander he will never get the same respect as the other no matter what. Which is fine I guess. Won't change the fact that he is a brilliant player. And for me atleast, the second best test batter in the world after Steve Smith.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The batting line up in general has been shocking, Rooty is a class act and special player, has been carrying the country on his back through some very hard times for the team and his form has been pretty good despite that. Am glad he got to enjoy this moment and while the top / lower order still need strengthening the team make up looked better and a lot fresher. He is already an England great / arguably an ATG and while I was a bit shocked this was his first hundred in the 4th innings, Root even after getting to the magical 10k barrier has more great performances left in him

Personally I love Root. And undoubtedly he is a special player. But I just don't think he is better than Williamson and Smith, which is what OP was trying to start an argument over. We also can't gloss over the fact that as an England player, Root simply has a better opportunity to reach greater heights than his counterparts and also has a bigger margin of failure because he is playing far more test matches in any given year. I mean let's not forget that he basically went 2 years just scoring half centuries. That's not something that someone like Williamson can afford to do because of the small amount of test matches that NZ play, nor does he. He is the by far the most consistent batter in test cricket who has averaged 50+ every year since 2014, barring one where he averaged 46.

And while I sympathize with the fact that England's batting has been abject for quite some time now, fact of the matter is that Root cannot be considered among the greats of the game until he does help his side win those elusive series in countries like India and Australia, but also Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies---places where England haven't won in decades.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

What a win for England and another great advert for Tests, I expected another collapse but what a finish! Foakes was outstanding to and is a proper Test match keeper batter. While it would be nice to have Mo back in his preferred position, he would greatly strengthen the lower order and shorten the tail, he is still the best spin option at home that’s one quick/easy improvement but what of the top order / no.3 which will be like musical chairs for sometime but Zack Crawley must be backed, maybe send Sir Cook a letter from PM Boris [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

I know his numbers are horrific and he has done very little to justify his place, but Zak Crawley is the most promising English batter I have seen in quite some time. I just hope he finds his way soon and England don't have another James Vince on their hands. Because there's only so long that you can go averaging in the high 20s before the selectors have no choice but to drop you.

Quite surprised though that Harry Brook was not given a debut considering his recent run of form. I think England should back the likes of Crawley, Pope and Brook instead of constantly bringing in these 30 year old county guys who play 15 test matches and end up averaging in the mid 20s or mediocre 30s.

 

[Robert]

Lol you argue like a child mate. "You are convincingly wrong", "you are convincingly wrong in your assessment", what are you, 12?

Difference between Root and Williamson is that unlike, Root, Williamson's contributions actually mean something because they help New Zealand win matches. Barring the series in Sri Lanka, Root has failed to win a single major series for his side. And this stretches way back, and doesn't just include the outstanding run of form he has been on recently.

You can keep living in your deluded fantasy where you think Root is better than Williamson. I guess it must be true what they say, that ignorance is bliss. But Williamson is not only a more technically sound batter but also a better batter period who consistently wins New Zealand matches and steps up in clutch situations. Rather than buckle under the pressure of captaincy, he has lead from the front and turned New Zealand into a top level side across formats and lead them to a WTC win aswell.

Unfortunately he won't be lucky enough to play 200 test matches like Root. He isn't English.

But then I'm pretty sure he won't be going through a mental crisis for 2 or so years either where he can't cross 50...

Not that I am agreeing with [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] but batters don’t win matches, bowlers do.

Root has been the lone gunman for a long time, while Williamson has had support from his batters.

Root averages 46 as skipper with 14 hundreds, and won 25 tests.

 

[Ab Fan]

Serious opinion:

Comparing Root to Williamson is like comparing Sangakkara to Mahela. The only thing where Mahela was better than Sanga was captaincy and same is the case with Williamson.

Root had performed and score big everywhere and in a team which is as ****** as Zimbabwe level batting lineup where second best bat is averaging 36. In New Zealand's case, they have/had about 4-5 batsman who were averaging in the 40s.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not that I am agreeing with [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] but batters don’t win matches, bowlers do.

Root has been the lone gunman for a long time, while Williamson has had support from his batters.

Root averages 46 as skipper with 14 hundreds, and won 25 tests.

Root has also had far more failures than Williamson. He basically went on two year run where he was only scoring meaningless half centuries. You can't blame the rest of the batting for that.

Williamson delivers consistently. Last 15 centuries he scored, New Zealand won 12 times, drew twice and lost once. Since 2014 he has only had one year where he didn't average 50+, and as captain he averages 58. It's not his fault that he isn't born in England and therefore doesn't get to play 5 tests at home against India or won't finish his career with 200 test caps.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Williamson is so much behind Root as a batsman, it's a joke really. Williamson is the biggest statpadding minnowbasher in the history of cricket, and the worst batsman to average over 50. Root is an ATG alongside Smith from current era.

Yeah because Williamson doesn't get to play 5 tests against India at home right? Or maybe its because Williamson went on a 2 year run where he was only scoring half centuries, right? What was that, if not stat-padding?

The only joke here is you thinking Root is even capable of tying Williamson's shoelaces which he is not. Williamson is not only a more technically sound and more complete batter, but he is also a more complete cricketer. A tactically astute and sharp captain who always gets the best out of his side and and can step-up and play clutch knocks for his side in any format.

Any fool can look at a couple of stats and say that Williamson is a "minnow-basher", but if that fool bothered to look more closely, they would know that Williamson has only averaged under 50 once since 2014. I guess all those tests over an 8 year period were against minnows, right? He also averages 58 as captain.

I also find it funny that you are calling Williamson a minnow-basher, because I'm guessing you saw Root's numbers against Ireland and Bangladesh and decided that you would be safe calling him that. Since Root isn't even a minnow-basher.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol you argue like a child mate. "You are convincingly wrong", "you are convincingly wrong in your assessment", what are you, 12?

Difference between Root and Williamson is that unlike, Root, Williamson's contributions actually mean something because they help New Zealand win matches. Barring the series in Sri Lanka, Root has failed to win a single major series for his side. And this stretches way back, and doesn't just include the outstanding run of form he has been on recently.

You can keep living in your deluded fantasy where you think Root is better than Williamson. I guess it must be true what they say, that ignorance is bliss. But Williamson is not only a more technically sound batter but also a better batter period who consistently wins New Zealand matches and steps up in clutch situations. Rather than buckle under the pressure of captaincy, he has lead from the front and turned New Zealand into a top level side across formats and lead them to a WTC win aswell.

Unfortunately he won't be lucky enough to play 200 test matches like Root. He isn't English.

But then I'm pretty sure he won't be going through a mental crisis for 2 or so years either where he can't cross 50...

You are ranting now because you know you are wrong and you did not expect Root to perform the way he did in the last 2 years.

You are sounding like a petulant child. If you want to have the last word sure you can go ahead, but the reality is that Root has outclassed Williamson in most major countries (if not every country) and there is no hiding from it.

You can make weak excuses for that, but it is what it is.

Individual players are compared on individual performances not based on series won.

Waqar Younis hasn’t won a World Cup but far less players have, Pakistan hasn’t won a single Test match in Australia since 1996 but lesser players in other teams have.

Williamson scores less runs against Root against good attacks but New Zealand seems to win more matches. What does that tell you? It tells you and others that Williamson has better players around him.

Root would win more matches than Williamson if Root played with the same players. The only thing that is in their individual control is the amount of runs they score, and the fact that Root does better against almost every good attack away from home is more than enough evidence to conclude that he is a better batsman.

If you want to be in denial that is your choice, but the reality is what it is.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Yeah because Williamson doesn't get to play 5 tests against India at home right? Or maybe its because Williamson went on a 2 year run where he was only scoring half centuries, right? What was that, if not stat-padding?

The only joke here is you thinking Root is even capable of tying Williamson's shoelaces which he is not. Williamson is not only a more technically sound and more complete batter, but he is also a more complete cricketer. A tactically astute and sharp captain who always gets the best out of his side and and can step-up and play clutch knocks for his side in any format.

Any fool can look at a couple of stats and say that Williamson is a "minnow-basher", but if that fool bothered to look more closely, they would know that Williamson has only averaged under 50 once since 2014. I guess all those tests over an 8 year period were against minnows, right? He also averages 58 as captain.

I also find it funny that you are calling Williamson a minnow-basher, because I'm guessing you saw Root's numbers against Ireland and Bangladesh and decided that you would be safe calling him that. Since Root isn't even a minnow-basher.

Overall average means nothing if it's padded by scoring at home against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

 

[Mamoon]

Yeah because Williamson doesn't get to play 5 tests against India at home right? Or maybe its because Williamson went on a 2 year run where he was only scoring half centuries, right? What was that, if not stat-padding?

The only joke here is you thinking Root is even capable of tying Williamson's shoelaces which he is not. Williamson is not only a more technically sound and more complete batter, but he is also a more complete cricketer. A tactically astute and sharp captain who always gets the best out of his side and and can step-up and play clutch knocks for his side in any format.

Any fool can look at a couple of stats and say that Williamson is a "minnow-basher", but if that fool bothered to look more closely, they would know that Williamson has only averaged under 50 once since 2014. I guess all those tests over an 8 year period were against minnows, right? He also averages 58 as captain.

I also find it funny that you are calling Williamson a minnow-basher, because I'm guessing you saw Root's numbers against Ireland and Bangladesh and decided that you would be safe calling him that. Since Root isn't even a minnow-basher.

Root not capable of tying Williamson’s shoelaces.

Williamson a technically sound and complete batter who averages 29 in England, 33 in India, 21 in South Africa and 26 in Sri Lanka.


Oh dear lord.

 

[Kroll]

Not sure why people are getting so worked up over Root and Williamson. But for what its worth and not to diminish Williamson's achievements I'd prefer watching Root bat.

The only guys that should matter are the likes of Babar the Babarian and the Righteous Rizwan.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Not sure why people are getting so worked up over Root and Williamson. But for what its worth and not to diminish Williamson's achievements I'd prefer watching Root bat.

The only guys that should matter are the likes of Babar the Babarian and the Righteous Rizwan.

Tbf people are rightfully annoyed by troll attempts above. One could make a case for Williamson to be the worst batsman in test history to average above 50 in tests (min. 5000 runs)

The people listed below are the only batsmen last 50 years who have worse away stats than Williamson's 34.09 (min 2000 away runs)

LRPL Taylor
DL Haynes
CL Hooper
Zaheer Abbas
JG Wright
DB Vengsarkar
MS Atapattu
IT Botham
Asad Shafiq
PJL Dujon
DA Warner
MS Dhoni
A Ranatunga
BB McCullum
MV Boucher
N Kapil Dev
IA Healy

Majority are either wicketkeeper, allrounder or other home bullies

Full list below (a total of 100 batsmen). Steve Smith 1st, Root 20th, Williamson 83rd

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...2;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting

 

[Ab Fan]

Tbf people are rightfully annoyed by troll attempts above. One could make a case for Williamson to be the worst batsman in test history to average above 50 in tests (min. 5000 runs)

The people listed below are the only batsmen last 50 years who have worse away stats than Williamson's 34.09 (min 2000 away runs)

LRPL Taylor
DL Haynes
CL Hooper
Zaheer Abbas
JG Wright
DB Vengsarkar
MS Atapattu
IT Botham
Asad Shafiq
PJL Dujon
DA Warner
MS Dhoni
A Ranatunga
BB McCullum
MV Boucher
N Kapil Dev
IA Healy

Majority are either wicketkeeper, allrounder or other home bullies

Full list below (a total of 100 batsmen). Steve Smith 1st, Root 20th, Williamson 83rd

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...2;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting

Damn, that is such a horrible record for an elite test batsman. KW is ranked 83rd in this list. I can't think of any elite batsman with such horrible numbers.

My ranking:-
1. Smith
2. Root
3. Kohli
4. Gap
5. Kane/ Warner

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

You are ranting now because you know you are wrong and you did not expect Root to perform the way he did in the last 2 years.

You are sounding like a petulant child. If you want to have the last word sure you can go ahead, but the reality is that Root has outclassed Williamson in most major countries (if not every country) and there is no hiding from it.

You can make weak excuses for that, but it is what it is.

Individual players are compared on individual performances not based on series won.

Waqar Younis hasn’t won a World Cup but far less players have, Pakistan hasn’t won a single Test match in Australia since 1996 but lesser players in other teams have.

Williamson scores less runs against Root against good attacks but New Zealand seems to win more matches. What does that tell you? It tells you and others that Williamson has better players around him.

Root would win more matches than Williamson if Root played with the same players. The only thing that is in their individual control is the amount of runs they score, and the fact that Root does better against almost every good attack away from home is more than enough evidence to conclude that he is a better batsman.

If you want to be in denial that is your choice, but the reality is what it is.

Do you even read what you have written before you write it? Just read your second paragraph again. You sound like a basement dwelling incel whose parents haven't let him out of the house in weeks.

If you you actually bothered to read my post before quoted it along with 3 other completely different posts, you would know that I never said Root would fail or that Root was a terrible player. I don't see things in black and white like you. Every player doesn't have to be a street bowler or the second coming of Bradman. I just think he's a far better cricketer and batter than Root and I stand by that completely. And you can keep foaming at the mouth all you want, it won't change my opinion. I've already said why I think Williamson is better and I see no reason to add anything further to it, or go down this rabbithole of opinions with a guy who has the intellect of a middle-school kid and thinks his opinion = reality. LOL.

Also, next time you throw accusations around, actually bother to take a good hard look in the mirror. Because unlike you, I actually have the guts to admit when I was proven wrong, which is ofcourse more than I can say for you: the guy who called Haris Rauf "a street bowler", Naseem Shah a failure who wouldn't amount to much, and Tim David a PSL star who didn't have what it took to make it in the IPL lol.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Root not capable of tying Williamson’s shoelaces.

Williamson a technically sound and complete batter who averages 29 in England, 33 in India, 21 in South Africa and 26 in Sri Lanka.


Oh dear lord.

Atleast he doesn't average 35 in Australia, 24 in Bangladesh and 39 in New Zealand.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Overall average means nothing if it's padded by scoring at home against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Better than averaging 24.5 against Bangladesh...

 

[Mamoon]

Do you even read what you have written before you write it? Just read your second paragraph again. You sound like a basement dwelling incel whose parents haven't let him out of the house in weeks.

If you you actually bothered to read my post before quoted it along with 3 other completely different posts, you would know that I never said Root would fail or that Root was a terrible player. I don't see things in black and white like you. Every player doesn't have to be a street bowler or the second coming of Bradman. I just think he's a far better cricketer and batter than Root and I stand by that completely. And you can keep foaming at the mouth all you want, it won't change my opinion. I've already said why I think Williamson is better and I see no reason to add anything further to it, or go down this rabbithole of opinions with a guy who has the intellect of a middle-school kid and thinks his opinion = reality. LOL.

Also, next time you throw accusations around, actually bother to take a good hard look in the mirror. Because unlike you, I actually have the guts to admit when I was proven wrong, which is ofcourse more than I can say for you: the guy who called Haris Rauf "a street bowler", Naseem Shah a failure who wouldn't amount to much, and Tim David a PSL star who didn't have what it took to make it in the IPL lol.

You clearly don’t, hence the straw-clutching and personal attacks because facts do not support your opinions. You have had a verbal diarrhea and you are flustered, but carry on.

 

[Moeey]

Do you even read what you have written before you write it? Just read your second paragraph again. You sound like a basement dwelling incel whose parents haven't let him out of the house in weeks.

If you you actually bothered to read my post before quoted it along with 3 other completely different posts, you would know that I never said Root would fail or that Root was a terrible player. I don't see things in black and white like you. Every player doesn't have to be a street bowler or the second coming of Bradman. I just think he's a far better cricketer and batter than Root and I stand by that completely. And you can keep foaming at the mouth all you want, it won't change my opinion. I've already said why I think Williamson is better and I see no reason to add anything further to it, or go down this rabbithole of opinions with a guy who has the intellect of a middle-school kid and thinks his opinion = reality. LOL.

Also, next time you throw accusations around, actually bother to take a good hard look in the mirror. Because unlike you, I actually have the guts to admit when I was proven wrong, which is ofcourse more than I can say for you: the guy who called Haris Rauf "a street bowler", Naseem Shah a failure who wouldn't amount to much, and Tim David a PSL star who didn't have what it took to make it in the IPL lol.

What has naseem shah done? He still sucks.
Rauf is a decent bowler at best for t20. Let's not overrate him either please. These guys are just mediocre bowlers. They will never achieve anything in the hardest format, tests.

 

[MenInG]

No personal stuff.

If you have an argument present it, if not then no need to get personal.

 

[shaz619]

Personally I love Root. And undoubtedly he is a special player. But I just don't think he is better than Williamson and Smith, which is what OP was trying to start an argument over. We also can't gloss over the fact that as an England player, Root simply has a better opportunity to reach greater heights than his counterparts and also has a bigger margin of failure because he is playing far more test matches in any given year. I mean let's not forget that he basically went 2 years just scoring half centuries. That's not something that someone like Williamson can afford to do because of the small amount of test matches that NZ play, nor does he. He is the by far the most consistent batter in test cricket who has averaged 50+ every year since 2014, barring one where he averaged 46.

And while I sympathize with the fact that England's batting has been abject for quite some time now, fact of the matter is that Root cannot be considered among the greats of the game until he does help his side win those elusive series in countries like India and Australia, but also Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies---places where England haven't won in decades.

Eventually the law of averages would shine through regardless, if we just went by games played then the others you mentioned wouldn’t be rated but they’ve been performing well regardless but the likes of NZ and AUS play a decent amount of Tests anyway. I don’t think Root should be penalised for that. On current form I prefer him over the other two in Tests. And cricket is a team sport in the end, Shakib is still considered an ATG despite playing for Bangladesh, Misbah is a Pak great to despite playing in an awful line up and I rate Younis higher then Sachin and KP in Tests. I get that the expectations from England should rightfully be a bit higher given the proud history and set up but the fact is the team has been through one of its worst declines ever that even Pak have had so much success in county when it hasn’t been the case as much in this century and the saving grace has been Root, the chances of winning a limited overs game on individual brilliance is much higher compared to Tests anyhow but yeah, I’d defo like to see more of what we did in the last game and there is time for him to do that

 

[shamaan]

I would prefer to watch Root bat instead of Williamson

 

[James]

27 Test hundreds.

Average back above 50.

We are watching an all time great of the game.

 

[andy0204]

Just needs to score a ton in Australia otherwise a complete record.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> x <br><br> x <br><br>Enjoy every boundary from <a href="https://twitter.com/root66?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@root66</a>'s !<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvNZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/sVlrZOs0W4">pic.twitter.com/sVlrZOs0W4</a></p>— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1536423159049625602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Just needs to score a ton in Australia otherwise a complete record.

Tbh he can still be an ATG without scoring a ton in Aus. Dravid had horrible record in South Africa, Ponting was even worse in India. Root's record in Australia is below average (35.68) but it's not that bad

 

[Ab Fan]

Ponting was overrated, cashed on flat wickets and home pitches against bowlers in their mid- 30s with their pace being down. Against Shane Bond, he struggled. His home average is 60 and away is close to 40.

Root is a better batsman than him. He played Bumrah, Ashwin, Rabada and Boult pretty well. He only struggles vs Cummins.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

While I believe Root's career does look more impressive than Ponting's as of now given the conditions both played in, Root probably isn't there yet stature wise.

 

[James]

Ponting has the greater gravitas.

See where we are with Root in five years.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Ponting has the greater gravitas.

See where we are with Root in five years.

We will see. I do feel Root might never reach the level of fame Ponting achieved. Ponting was part of the GOAT test team, and was the most prolific run scorer and captain of said team. England has been mostly mediocre for 90% of Root's career (and Root's captaincy was awful, to be generous).

 

[MenInG]

Marnus Labuschagne's reign as the highest-ranked Test batter in the world is over as England right-hander Joe Root claimed top spot on the latest ICC MRF Tyres Men's Test Batter rankings.

 

[sindhiboy]

About time he gets the no. 1 test batsman ranking.

Scary to think what he will do when england tours Pakistan. He could get a triple century on those highways

 

[James]

Returns to his rightful number one spot.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Labuschagne seems to be a more limited batsman than either Smith or Root, I suspect he will slide down even further down the ranking as he plays more.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Tbh he can still be an ATG without scoring a ton in Aus. Dravid had horrible record in South Africa, Ponting was even worse in India. Root's record in Australia is below average (35.68) but it's not that bad

Agreed to an extent but I think for an Englishman an overseas ton in Aus is more important that anything and it will be a massive blemish on his record to have missed out in Australia.

That's where the most pressure is on and he will need to score one in the next Ashes tour to truly cement his place amongst the greats.

 

[MenInG]

Joe Root, England's talisman, has taken his batting to new heights since the start of 2021 in the longest format, culminating in a golden run of form.

Since the start of 2021, Root has played 22 Test matches, accumulating 2371 runs at an average of 57.82, with 10 centuries and 4 half-centuries to his name.

The feat is all the more impressive as they have been aggregated in different conditions, with his side often struggling in the batting department and Root often ending up as the lone warrior for England.

This blistering run of form has seen him scale the 10,000-run landmark in the longest format and now seen him regain the top position in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's Test Player Rankings for batters. His exploits in the previous calendar year also led to him being voted the 2021 ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year.

Here, we list down the very best of his five centuries during this golden period:

228 v Sri Lanka in Galle, 2021

Root started 2021 off with a bang against Sri Lanka in Galle.

On a track that was assisting the spinners, Root showcased his class with a marathon knock of 228 off only 321 deliveries. His sheer brilliance helped the visitors take a massive first-innings lead – England bowled out Sri Lanka for 135 before posting 421 courtesy of Root's knock.

His innings consisted of 18 fours and 1 six, batting in the middle for 476 minutes in the sweltering heat. The knock proved to be a match-winning one, with England comfortably winning the contest by seven wickets, chasing down a target of 74.


218 v India in Chennai, 2021

Root surpassed his knock in Galle, with another brilliant double ton – this time against India in Chennai.

India were riding high on the momentum of the Test series victory in Australia and had the quality of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah in their bowling unit, but none of them had an answer to the mastery of Root in the first Test of the series.

Root's 218 was a masterclass in batting. He swatted away a quality bowling attack, both pace and spin, with utter ease. This continued his form from the series in Sri Lanka, where he was again in sensational touch.

Batting for 377 deliveries, the Indian bowling had no answers to the Root conundrum, as he set up a 227-run victory for the visitors. This was also a sign of things to come for the remainder of the year, as the England skipper played knock after knock of the highest calibre, irrespective of the opposition.


180* v India at Lord's, 2021

Root's torment of the Indian bowlers continued, this time in his own backyard. After a ton in the first Test at Nottingham, Root followed it up with a knock of the highest order in the second Test at Lord's.

After India had posted 364 in the first innings, the pressure was on the then-England skipper to hold together the English batting line-up. Displaying his craft, Root scored an unbeaten 180* in 321 deliveries, with 18 boundaries, staying out in the middle for 533 minutes.

The feat was all the more impressive as it came against a pace quartet of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj on a pitch that was aiding the seamers. The knock helped England take a small but valuable first innings lead.

Unfortunately for Root, a collapse in the second innings saw the hosts crumbling to a 151-run defeat.


115* v New Zealand at Lord's, 2022

Playing in his first game after giving up the captaincy, Root proved that he was still the most vital cog in the England team with his heroics against New Zealand in the first Test.

The visitors set England a challenging target of 277 to chase down – a tough feat with the quality of bowlers at their disposal and the poor run of form that the hosts were enduring.

England were already four down with only 69 runs on the board. But Root then stitched together two vital partnerships, first a 90-run stand with skipper Ben Stokes and then an unbeaten 120*-run effort with Ben Foakes.

His magical knock of 115* came in only 170 deliveries against the threat of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson. His heroics helped England snap their streak of 9 matches without a victory, starting off the Ben Stokes era with a bang.


176 v New Zealand at Trent Bridge, 2022

Root's run continued in the second Test against the Kiwis, with another impressive display of his batting range in the second Test in Nottingham. The hosts were under massive pressure after New Zealand posted a mammoth first innings score of 553 on the board.

Root's aggressive knock of 176 came in only 211 deliveries, with a reverse scoop against Tim Southee being a particular highlight of the contest. Dashing away 26 fours and 1 six, Root's knock helped England get near the New Zealand total, posting 539 on the board.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2645565

 

[Robert]

Agreed to an extent but I think for an Englishman an overseas ton in Aus is more important that anything and it will be a massive blemish on his record to have missed out in Australia.

That's where the most pressure is on and he will need to score one in the next Ashes tour to truly cement his place amongst the greats.

He will be 34 then, so probably the next Australian Ashes is his last chance.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He will be 34 then, so probably the next Australian Ashes is his last chance.

Root will always struggle in Australia with his current batting style. In Australia, the bowlers are tall and rapid and bowl that channel outside off consistently.

Root is a very aggressive batsman and does not leave enough deliveries and he keeps edging it behind. It works in England because of the lack of pace and bounce .

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Yet another incredible test series for Joe Root, helped England whitewash NZ 3-0. With that, his average has gone above 50.

Root's stats in this series

Mat - 3
Runs - 396
Avg - 99.00
100s - 2
50s - 1

Root's career stats as of 27/06/2022

Mat - 120
Runs - 10285
Avg - 50.17
100s - 27

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Joe Root is also the Player of the Series for New Zealand tour of England 2022

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...w-zealand-3rd-test-1276903/live-cricket-score

Joe Root is the Player of the Series from the England side. "It was like some of the 50-over stuff. He [Bairstow] has been hitting the ball really well. He has been a phenomenal player. It's great to see him do that, to bat with the confidence and freedom. One of the great things about this series was guys keep getting more and more confident about how they want to go about it. It's important that we enjoy this series. It has been a rocky road for the Test series. If you cannot enjoy this series, then what do you play for? I think we should concentrate on what this team has done over the last few weeks. I am sure Ben has got the plans for the India Test and the next series as well."

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Jonny should have won the POTS award.

 

[Robert]

Jonny should have won the POTS award.

Same run aggregate - scored faster.

 

[Mamoon]

Jonny should have won the POTS award.

Perhaps, but Root won them the first Test and it set the tone for the series. I think this is what influenced their decision.

 

[Ab Fan]

Root will win the POTS again 10 days later. This series should be remembered for the destruction that Bairstow caused. Striking at 120 in a test match is unbelievable.

 

[James]

“Not fit to lace Kane Williamson’s boots” one of the most laughably incorrect and uninformed opinions ever posted.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

“Not fit to lace Kane Williamson’s boots” one of the most laughably incorrect and uninformed opinions ever posted.

It's scary to think such delusional people live among us. By far the worst comment ever posted on this forum that's not sarcastic

 

[Mamoon]

“Not fit to lace Kane Williamson’s boots” one of the most laughably incorrect and uninformed opinions ever posted.

It's scary to think such delusional people live among us. By far the worst comment ever posted on this forum that's not sarcastic

[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

 

[Kroll]

I would prefer to watch Root bat instead of Williamson

That reverse sweep for six against Wagner who's not even a spinner but a pacer was absolutely bat crazy nuts. It was so mental, that the whole stadium couldn't believe it never mind Wagner who looked as though he just wanted the ground to swallow him up underneath.

 

[Moeey]

That reverse sweep for six against Wagner who's not even a spinner but a pacer was absolutely bat crazy nuts. It was so mental, that the whole stadium couldn't believe it never mind Wagner who looked as though he just wanted the ground to swallow him up underneath.

Wagner is basically a spinner disguising himself as a fast bowler. He is so slow. Dead slow

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

Bro I don't care what they think about me. Stop tagging me like a desperate attention-seeker.

 

[MenInG]

50 coming up in a tough situation - can he take England to a win?

 

[James]

He’s played really well here. The whole innings could have collapsed after the quick wickets went down. He’s given England a slight chance.

 

[MenInG]

 

[James]

Bradmanesque

 

[Manunited18]

Unblievable form this by Joe. Deserves full credit. Never know by the time he finishes he could well be the leading scorer of all time in tests. With king jimmy anderson leading test wicket taker

 

[Savak]

The quality of a batsman can be guaged by how often he comes good in the fourth innings. Joe Root has a superior record in this regard to Williamson, Kohli, Smith.

 

[Ab Fan]

One of the greatest batsman of all-time. In my opinion, he is better than Steve Smith too. Root debuted 3 years after Smith and currently has 2500 test runs more than Smith.

Also, he is the only bowler in the world whom Pant didn't take on. That counts for something.

 

[James]

Just played a classic cover drive for four, one of the shots of the match. Lovely.

 

[Savak]

One of the greatest batsman of all-time. In my opinion, he is better than Steve Smith too. Root debuted 3 years after Smith and currently has 2500 test runs more than Smith.

Also, he is the only bowler in the world whom Pant didn't take on. That counts for something.

Root also plays most of his cricket in England where the Duke ball moves around for most of the day. His runs must carry more weight versus the others.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

In hindsight, maybe England were wrong to appoint him as the captain.

What a great batsman.

 

[Ab Fan]

Most runs vs India by a batsman :-

Ricky Ponting 2550 AVG 54
Joe Root 2460 AVG 61
Alastair Cook 2431 AVG 47

Joe Root obviously faced the most all-round and toughest Indian attack of all-time. Nobody has tamed Ashwin and Bumrah more than him. Steve Smith had hard time vs Ashwin last time around.

 

[Mamoon]

But he is not fit to lace Williamson's shoes. [MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Awesome innings so far. Let's see if he can take England home tomorrow. Shaping up to be an incredible test as predicted.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

One day Root might be qualified to tie Williamson's shoelace, I'm sure of it.

 

[Ab Fan]

One day Root might be qualified to tie Williamson's shoelace, I'm sure of it.

Yes, one day he maybe. Currently, Root has 8 hundreds vs India at average of 61. Williamson has 2 hundreds vs India at average of 37.

So, Root will have to work hard to get qualified for that but hopefully some day he will.

 

[therealAB]

Root has also had far more failures than Williamson. He basically went on two year run where he was only scoring meaningless half centuries. You can't blame the rest of the batting for that.

Williamson delivers consistently. Last 15 centuries he scored, New Zealand won 12 times, drew twice and lost once. Since 2014 he has only had one year where he didn't average 50+, and as captain he averages 58. It's not his fault that he isn't born in England and therefore doesn't get to play 5 tests at home against India or won't finish his career with 200 test caps.

Delivers consistently against average teams - not so against SA, Aus, Eng and Ind away where he averages less than 34 away from home against

For comparison for players away vs these teams + NZ
Smith: 62
Kohli: 44
Root: 43

Yeah KW is crap overseas vs good teams

 

[therealAB]

Bangladesh lol

Root’s bad averages are actually not completely embarrassing, unlike Williamson.

Also I know Williamson’s career average in Aus is ok, but in the matches he has scored centuries in Australia total batting average for all players has been 67 - 15/16 were probably the flattest pitches in Australian history

 

[therealAB]

Most runs vs India by a batsman :-

Ricky Ponting 2550 AVG 54
Joe Root 2460 AVG 61
Alastair Cook 2431 AVG 47

Joe Root obviously faced the most all-round and toughest Indian attack of all-time. Nobody has tamed Ashwin and Bumrah more than him. Steve Smith had hard time vs Ashwin last time around.

Root has clearly been excellent but Smith averages 73 vs India and scored 7 centuries in 8 matches in his prime - the 2017 series is potentially the goat away series in India for any player

 

[therealAB]

Root also plays most of his cricket in England where the Duke ball moves around for most of the day. His runs must carry more weight versus the others.

Tbh in a comparison with Smith that’s not a great point - Smith averages more than Root in England and generally has a much, much higher away average

 

[therealAB]

One of the greatest batsman of all-time. In my opinion, he is better than Steve Smith too. Root debuted 3 years after Smith and currently has 2500 test runs more than Smith.

Also, he is the only bowler in the world whom Pant didn't take on. That counts for something.

In other news, Cook > Gavaskar and Broad > Marshall

That has got to be the worst argument in the history of arguments

 

[Ab Fan]

Root has clearly been excellent but Smith averages 73 vs India and scored 7 centuries in 8 matches in his prime - the 2017 series is potentially the goat away series in India for any player

Those are great numbers for Smith but let's add some context to it. Smith hit some 700 runs vs India at home in 2015 series where Indian bowling attack was not as potent. Shami did fine but others were smacked. India's pace attack became potent since 2018.

Bumrah also came into picture only since 2018 and in last series of 2020, Smith was troubled by Ashwin who sort of planned and figured him out in first couple of tests. Root, on other hand, has played Ashwin as good as anyone else in the game.

I would wait for Smith to complete the upcoming away tour to India and then we will get to know where his average stands in India.

 

[Ab Fan]

In other news, Cook > Gavaskar and Broad > Marshall

That has got to be the worst argument in the history of arguments

Different era so not a valid comparison. Smith is ahead but I won't say he is ahead by a mile. England pitches has had more assistance for bowlers over the years than Australian pitches.

 

[therealAB]

Different era so not a valid comparison. Smith is ahead but I won't say he is ahead by a mile. England pitches has had more assistance for bowlers over the years than Australian pitches.

How is it not - it is the point that quality is more important than aggregate. How about Andy Flower 4794 @ 51.5 vs Mark Waugh 8029 @ 41.81 over the same period of time. Flower was way, way better and surely there can't be a serious conversation. Also important to note that the difference in averages between these 2 is very similar to the difference in averages between Smith and Root.

I'd say Smith is far enough that there can be no serious debate. Root is in Ponting tier for me, Smith is in Sachin/Lara tier and I think you'd be crazy to say Ponting is better than either of those players

 

[therealAB]

Those are great numbers for Smith but let's add some context to it. Smith hit some 700 runs vs India at home in 2015 series where Indian bowling attack was not as potent. Shami did fine but others were smacked. India's pace attack became potent since 2018.

Bumrah also came into picture only since 2018 and in last series of 2020, Smith was troubled by Ashwin who sort of planned and figured him out in first couple of tests. Root, on other hand, has played Ashwin as good as anyone else in the game.

I would wait for Smith to complete the upcoming away tour to India and then we will get to know where his average stands in India.

Smith dominated Ashwin in 2017 - one of the great, great away series and got dismissed by Ashwin twice ,once for 111 and once on the worlds worst cricket pitch. Ashwin was also playing in 14/15 and he is slightly better now but not by a huge amount for me. Smith didn't really get out to Bumrah much in 2020/21 series so I'd say that his poorer performance is more his declining than getting figured out.

Anyway the main issue with Root is his poor performance in Australia - no match winning performances or even hundreds in 14 tests there. Also I'd say his series in India is a bit overrated and in no way comparable to the great ones of Smith, Cook, Hayden and others - he had a big double in the first test then no more 50+ for the rest of the series.

Another dominant series in India would clearly be fantastic but Hayden's mediocre 2004 isn't really held against him. On a simialr note I feel Smith has a long way to fall before being reasonably compared with the Roots/Pontings/Dravids of the world

Smith has started to decline and his results will be less good

 

[PakEngFan]

Root has left players like Kohli and Williamson in dust. He’s well ahead of both of them at moment. It’s not even a comparison in test.

 

[Hextro]

Root is looking unstoppable at the moment. Easily the best fab 4 batsmen on current form and 2nd best overall in Test cricket.

 

[Robert]

Prior to this summer, Root averaged 32 in the fourth innings.

This summer he has scored 300 runs batting fourth, in four innings, for once out at time of posting.

Now has most test centuries of the Fab Four.

 

[James]

The worlds best batsman and the best batsman that England has ever produced.

 

[MenInG]

In November 2019, Virat Kohli had 27 Test hundreds and Joe Root had 16.

In July 2022, Virat Kohli has 27 Test hundreds and Joe Root has 28.