Joe Root and Steve Smith are two of Test cricket’s finest. Root has played 152 matches, scoring 12,972 runs at an average of 50.87, while Smith, with 116 matches, has 10,271 runs at 56.74. Both have 36 centuries, but Root’s consistency and adaptability contrast with Smith’s match-winning ability and higher conversion rate, highlighting their unique strengths.
Joe Root: 152 Tests, 23 not outs
Joe Root, England’s batting maestro, has amassed 12,972 runs in 152 Test matches at an impressive average of 50.87. His consistency and ability to bat long hours are reflected in his 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, showcasing his knack for converting starts into substantial scores. Root’s highest score of 262 is a testament to his endurance and skill in difficult conditions. His strike rate of 57.47 underlines his capacity to score briskly without compromising his technique, essential for Test cricket where the game’s dynamics evolve over multiple days. Root’s tally of 1,394 fours and 45 sixes highlights his classic yet effective stroke play, firmly placing him among the elite batters in Test cricket history.
Steve Smith: Australia’s enigmatic run-machine
Steve Smith, Australia’s enigmatic run-machine, has redefined batting with his unorthodox technique, which initially puzzled critics but ultimately silenced them. After the 2013 Ashes series, where he was seen as a quirky talent, Smith’s rise to one of the game’s greatest is a testament to his resilience and refinement. His ability to score under pressure, particularly during the 2019 Ashes, where he carried Australia’s batting, showcased his unmatched skill in tough situations. Despite a controversial captaincy marred by the sandpaper scandal, Smith regained tactical brilliance with maturity.
In comparison, both Root and Smith display exceptional consistency, but Smith excels in converting fifties into hundreds, often in crucial moments. Their fielding contributions are also significant, with both players approaching 200 catches, demonstrating their athleticism and commitment to the game beyond their batting. Their legacies reflect their all-around prowess and skill under pressure.
Here’s a comparison of Joe Root and Steve Smith’s Test cricket statistics:
| Stat | Joe Root | Steve Smith |
| Matches Played | 152 | 116 |
| Innings Played | 278 | 206 |
| Not Outs | 23 | 25 |
| Runs Scored | 12,972 | 10,271 |
| Batting Average | 50.87 | 56.74 |
| Highest Score | 262 | 239 |
| Strike Rate | 57.47 | 53.56 |
| Centuries | 36 | 36 |
| Half-Centuries | 65 | 41 |
| Fours | 1,394 | 1,116 |
| Sixes | 45 | 61 |
| Catches | ~200 | ~200 |
