Who’s better: Kohli or Smith? Michael Clarke has his say
CARDIFF, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Michael Clarke; Steve Smith and David Warner of Australia look on during the opening ceremony during the during day one of the 1st Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at SWALEC Stadium on July 8, 2015 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
Asked whether Virat Kohli is a better batsman than contemporary Steve Smith, former Australia captain Michael Clarke proffered a split decision in debating both players’ qualities ahead of their upcoming ODI series.
Smith takes his side on tour to India for a five-match ODI series and a three-match T20 series prior to hosting England in the Ashes this winter, and Clarke is backing Kohli to lead his charges to victory against the Australians.
“Virat is a better limited-over batsman, only just; Steve Smith is a better Test batsman, in my opinion. About their captaincy I can’t say. Two young captains, two very good players,” Clarke said of the two superstars, with Kohli first in the ICC ODI batting rankings and Smith thirteenth.
Despite conceding to Kohli’s superiority in white ball cricket, Clarke in his role as a TV pundit backed his former understudy Smith to reclaim the Ashes.
“I think this Australian team has huge potential, I think it’s now time to turn that potential into consistent performance. We have got match-winning players, there are enough talented players to beat any team in the world,” Clarke asserted.
Australia stay in the sub-continent to play the first match of the ODI series in Chennai a week on Sunday having been held to a 1-1 draw by Bangladesh.