Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith: Shane Warne chooses 'best batsman in the world'

Steve Smith has announced his return to the international stage in style by amassing 479 runs in three Test matches in the ongoing Ashes. Smith, who returned to the Test arena after serving a one year ban for the Sandpaper Gate fiasco has pipped Virat Kohli to achieve the No.1 Test batsman's position.

It is inevitable to draw comparisons between Kohli and Smith on the basis of  their dominance in the modern game era.

Speaking to IANS, legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne has said that if he had to pick one for Tests, Smith would have a slight advantage over his otherwise favourite Kohli if he had to chose a player across all formats.

“As far as Test cricket goes, I would probably say it is a really tough one between Virat and Smith. But I think if I had to pick one batsman in Test cricket, it would be Smith, but if I lost that and had Virat, I would still be happy because he is a legend,” said Warne.

“I think Virat is the best batsman in the world. I think if I had to pick one batsman across all formats, it would have to be Virat. Viv Richards was the greatest batsman I saw in ODI cricket and in all cricket probably. But Virat is now the greatest ODI player that we have seen. He overtakes Viv for me.”

Warne also feels that the Indian skipper has the attitude needed to go out and succeed against the best bowlers in the game.

“I think he will break all records and I am a big fan of how he goes about his job and I have said that publicly as well. I think Virat in all forms of the game is the best batsman in the world,” he said.