The debate around who is the best batsman in the longest format, among the modern-day cricketers, remains a hot topic of discussion. While the candidates remain the same, i.e. Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson, the answers keep changing whenever the same is asked to an ardent cricket fan, expert of the game, former or an active cricketer.
Recently, Australia’s new batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne was asked to mention his choice as the better Test player between Indian captain Kohli and his arch-rival, Smith. While many would have expected Labuschagne to mention his compatriot’s name, he did the same but gave an explanation to it.
Talking to India Today, Labuschagne told, “I think Steve (Smith) in Test cricket has just shown in any condition, he can find a way. I think that’s what you know really makes him the best, number one Test player in the world.”
He further opined, “He (Smith) has found a way in India, he has found a way to score in England, he is obviously very consistent in Australia, so it seems that it doesn’t matter where are you playing and in what conditions, he is finding a way. Now, Virat has probably done a similar thing. I will probably go with Steve in Test cricket.”
It is interesting to note that while Kohli leads Smith in terms of overall tons in whites (27), the Aussie averages 62.84 in the format. In addition, he is just one behind Kohli’s century-tally.
On the other hand, Labuschagne tilted towards the 31-year-old Kohli in white-ball format. “Virat’s white-ball cricket is phenomenal. The way he finishes innings, the way he finishes matches off, the way he chases. I think for me personally, I have learned a lot from him,” added Labuschagne, who was part of the Aaron Finch-led Australia when they toured India for three ODIs in early 2020, losing 2-1.
While discussing Labuschagne, it is important to note that he has had a meteoric rise. From being nowhere in the forefront of top test players in the world, he has blitzed his way through into the Top 10. In 2019, he scored a mammoth 1104 test runs sealing his spot in the test team. His consistent and disciplined batting also got him a call up into the ODI squad. Australia truly unlocked a gem, who only luckily managed to make the test team due to Steve Smith’s injury versus England, and the rest is history.
Smith, Kohli and Labuschagne will be part of the much-anticipated India-Australia Test series, which is scheduled to be held Down Under in towards the end of the year.
