'What a load of nonsense': Vaughan slams Lehmann's criticism of Joe Root, predicts Ashes century

by IANS |

New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) Former England captain Michael Vaughan has dismissed Darren Lehmann’s recent criticism of Joe Root, following the ex-Australia coach’s claim that Root isn’t an all-time great due to his failure to score a century in Australia across three Ashes series.


Speaking on ABC during the first Test between Australia and India, Lehmann questioned whether Root was an all-time great given he’s yet to score a century down under across three Ashes series. He also ranked Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli higher, noting their success in challenging conditions worldwide.


"Nope, he is a rung below for that reason. They’ve made runs all over the world in difficult conditions against different oppositions, and that's the only thing stopping Joe Root. I think he's a great player, but is he an all-time great? I don't have him in that realm. I think you've got to make hundreds all around the world," Lehmann had said.


Speaking on SEN Mornings, Vaughan called Lehmann’s comments “nonsense,” highlighting Root’s impressive career stats, including 12,777 Test runs and 35 centuries. He believes Root, who has yet to score a century in 27 innings in Australia, will finally break his Ashes duck next year.


“What a load of nonsense. We're talking about a player that could quite easily - if he stays fit and that back stays strong – surpass Sachin Tendulkar in a few years (for overall Test runs). Just because he's not got a hundred here in Australia, this isn’t the be-all and end-all," Vaughan said


“You'd like to come here, and score runs. But he'll come next year in the way that he's playing in this England side now at four - playing the Joe Root way rather than the Bazball way - I’ve got a sneaky feeling that might come back to haunt Darren next year," he added.


He suggested that Root's current form and the England team’s approach could lead to success on Australian soil, despite the challenges of playing with the Kookaburra ball.


“He might get a couple of hundreds next year and the way that England are playing, particularly against this Kookaburra ball, I think it's going to be a great contest," said Vaughan.

Latest News
Calling Uddhav Thackeray a traitor is insult to Balasaheb and Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 02:11 PM
Post-Article 370, J&K witnessing rapid growth under PM Modi: Naqvi on Sonamarg tunnel opening Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 02:09 PM
Patparganj: Kejriwal approaches EC as Avadh Ojha faces threat of disqualification Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 01:59 PM
IPL 2025 to begin on March 21 in Kolkata: Report Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 01:11 PM
Didn't really take selection out of the selectors' hands, says Abbott on missing CT25 Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 01:08 PM
Pragati Yatra: CM Nitish Kumar inaugurates projects in Samastipur Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 01:04 PM
Delhi CM Atishi Files Nomination for Kalkaji Ahead of Assembly Elections Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:58 PM
Bengal school job case: CBI gets call records establishing Partha Chatterjee's involvement Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:47 PM
Los Angeles wildfires: Death toll rises to 24 Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:46 PM
More diminished attention, better immediate recall may signal Lewy body dementia: Study Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:39 PM
PM Modi to Attend Sankranthi Festivities at Union Minister Kishan Reddy's Residence Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:33 PM
Govt expenditure on big infra projects to drive growth in 2025-26: Report Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:32 PM
P.V. Anvar Resigns, Joins TMC; Targets Vijayan Government Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:23 PM
Aus Open: Michelsen serves Tsitsipas opening round exit Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:21 PM
PM Modi to launch Mission Mausam on Tuesday, will make India weather-ready, climate-smart Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 12:20 PM