Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed Darren Lehmann for saying that Joe Root is not an all-time great because he hasn’t scored a Test hundred in Australia. Vaughan came to Root’s defense, saying the English batter could break Sachin Tendulkar’s world record for most runs in the longest format of the game.
Root has played three series in Australia but is yet to record a three-digit score. The right-handed batter has amassed 892 runs at an average of 35.68, including nine half-centuries and a best score of 89 in 14 Tests in Australia. With England set to play the Ashes Down Under next year, Root will be keen to accumulate his maiden Test hundred.
Speaking on SEN Mornings, Vaughan called Lehmann’s comments as nonsense.
“What a load of nonsense. He is a player who could break record of overall Test runs if he stays fit. Just because he hasn’t scored a Test hundred in Australia doesn’t mean this isn’t the be-all and end-all.”
Root has scored 12,777 runs in red-ball cricket and is way ahead of the big names who are active at the moment. During the Pakistan tour, Root surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s highest run-getter in Test format.
Vaughan reckons Root could score a couple of hundreds next year in the Ashes in Australia.
“With the way England are playing Test cricket, Root has a chance to score a couple of hundreds next year in Australia. I have a feeling this might haunt Darren next year.