How has Joe Root's performance compared to his peers Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Joe Root has significantly outperformed his peers Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson in Test cricket since the COVID-19 pandemic, amassing over 5,900 runs in 66 matches at an average of 55.55.

What factors have contributed to Joe Root's batting success in the last 5 years?

Joe Root's success can be attributed to his pandemic-induced batting reset, which allowed him to recalibrate his game and eliminate risks. Additionally, his decision to shun T20 cricket has helped him maintain fitness and recharge his batteries.

How has Virat Kohli's performance declined in the last 5 years compared to his previous peak?

Virat Kohli has suffered a dramatic collapse in his performance, with his average plummeting from 62.15 between 2015-2020 to just 32.09 in the 37 Tests since then. He has managed only 3 additional centuries in this period, a far cry from his previous dominance.

Home / Sports / Pandemic Reset Propels England's Joe Root to Batting Supremacy

Pandemic Reset Propels England's Joe Root to Batting Supremacy

9 Aug

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Summary

Joe Root amasses 5,944 runs in 66 Tests post-COVID
Williamson, Smith, and Kohli struggle in comparison
Root maximizes his peak years, shuns T20 cricket

Pandemic Reset Propels England's Joe Root to Batting Supremacy

Over the past 5 years, England's Joe Root has firmly established himself as the dominant force in Test cricket, distancing himself from his peers Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson.

In the period since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Root has been on a remarkable run. In 66 Tests, he has amassed 5,944 runs at an average of 55.55, scoring 22 centuries. This batting reset during the forced break allowed Root to recalibrate his game, particularly against spin and short-pitched bowling.

In contrast, Root's illustrious peers have struggled to maintain their lofty standards. New Zealand's Kane Williamson has seen a rise in his numbers, scoring 2,800 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 66.66 with 12 centuries. However, Australia's Steve Smith has endured a dip, averaging 45.13 in 45 Tests with 10 centuries.

The most dramatic decline has been that of India's Virat Kohli. From averaging 62.15 and scoring 18 centuries, including 7 double tons, in 52 Tests between 2015 and 2020, Kohli has managed just 1,990 runs in 37 Tests since, averaging a mere 32.09 with only 3 additional centuries.

Root's success can be attributed to his unwavering focus on run-making and risk elimination, as well as his decision to shun the lure of lucrative T20 franchise cricket. This has allowed him to maintain his fitness and recharge his batteries, missing just two of the 158 Tests he has played.

Under the new 'Bazball' era of England cricket, Root has rediscovered his old peaks and joy, scoring 3,654 runs in 41 Tests at an average of 58 with 14 centuries. As he continues to chase down Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test cricket, Root stands tall as the undisputed king of the current generation of batting greats.

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