Smith v Kohli (test match batting)

[the big bambino]

Thing about both is they seem to have weaknesses that look obvious but ultimately illusory. Smith on his hip. The short ball over off. Whereas you'd think bowlers should be able to tickle Kohli's outside edge more often. Apart from a memorable series by Anderson it hasn't otherwise happened to either to date. Even then Kohli came back against Anderson in the same conditions and played him well. Which probably highlights another similarity between the two. If they have been confronted with a problem they both have solved it. This is a talent not seen too often in cricket I believe.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Thing about both is they seem to have weaknesses that look obvious but ultimately illusory. Smith on his hip. The short ball over off. Whereas you'd think bowlers should be able to tickle Kohli's outside edge more often. Apart from a memorable series by Anderson it hasn't otherwise happened to either to date. Even then Kohli came back against Anderson in the same conditions and played him well. Which probably highlights another similarity between the two. If they have been confronted with a problem they both have solved it. This is a talent not seen too often in cricket I believe.

Would call Kohli's issues on off stump illusory tbh. It's a definite weakness (like it is for the majority of batsmen). Kohli got past that in the series last year and did brilliantly through a combination of some minor technical corrections, huge balls and considerable luck. He didn't look undismissable like Smith does when he applies the latest patch.

True that they both clearly make great adjustments though. Kohli had a good masterclass with nasser on this

 

[Victor Ian]

In the Kohli vs Smith race, Kohli is leading with 7054 for 128 outs at 55.1 runs a piece. Smith has 6973 runs with 108 outs for 64.5. Smith needs 81 runs in 20 not not out innings to be considered Kohli's superior.

 

[Daemon]

Worth remembering Kohli had a fair slice of luck in his battles with Anderson. Came out on top but could’ve so easily gone the other way.

 

[Victor Ian]

I know it has already been said, but Smith can make 20 ducks in a row and still average over 60. Kohli needs over 600 before his next out to be there.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Worth remembering Kohli had a fair slice of luck in his battles with Anderson. Came out on top but could’ve so easily gone the other way.

Smith has had plenty of luck too

famous century in Pune wasn't he dropped 4 times

 

[harsh.ag]

Kohli *seems* to have hard hands, which compound his problems with off side edges, but am pretty sure Smith has hard hands too, it's just that he's not nicking the ball nearly as often

 

[Spark]

Smith plays really, really late, which is the key to "soft hands". Williamson too obvs.

 

[Burgey]

Kohli *seems* to have hard hands, which compound his problems with off side edges, but am pretty sure Smith has hard hands too, it's just that he's not nicking the ball nearly as often

This is one of the illusory things imo. I think he has fast hands, but they look like hard hands when they really aren’t. Bit like Steve Waugh in that regard

 

[Burgey]

Smith plays really, really late, which is the key to "soft hands". Williamson too obvs.

It’s also why he plays well in England and handles the moving ball. Fmd he made 200 at OT almost entirely off the back dog.

 

[sunilz]

I know it has already been said, but Smith can make 20 ducks in a row and still average over 60. Kohli needs over 600 before his next out to be there.

6973/128 = 54.47

 

[h_hurricane]

I know it has already been said, but Smith can make 20 ducks in a row and still average over 60. Kohli needs over 600 before his next out to be there.

Bradman could come out of his grave, make 38 ducks and still have a better average than Smith.

On a different note, Smith could make 15 ducks and still have a better average than Hutton !

 

[Victor Ian]

6973/128 = 54.47

Umm yeah. I was using the daemon book of stats.

 

[Adam19]

Smith at the moment. He has to do well in the next series in SA though. I saw a stat somewhere on how these two had done after walking in when the team total was < 50. Smith was way ahead. He's been the better player in those pressure situations. Also, he doesn't have much support from AUS bats most of the time when they play overseas.

 

[SeamUp]

Probably not the best thread for this but wasn't sure where to put it. Quite amazing even if not unexpected.

Worldwide test batting averages vs balls projcted to hit stumps (min 500 runs & since 2006)

Steve Smith - 41.33
AB de Villiers - 32.41
Kevin Pietersen - 32.26
Sir Alastair Cook - 30.57
Andrew Strauss - 25.04
Virat Kohli - 24.08

 

[Bijed]

Probably not the best thread for this but wasn't sure where to put it. Quite amazing even if not unexpected.

Worldwide test batting averages vs balls projcted to hit stumps (min 500 runs & since 2006)

Steve Smith - 41.33
AB de Villiers - 32.41
Kevin Pietersen - 32.26
Sir Alastair Cook - 30.57
Andrew Strauss - 25.04
Virat Kohli - 24.08

Have you got Faf and Bairstow's stats for this?

 

[stephen]

Have you got Faf and Bairstow's stats for this?

Bairstow is lucky averages can't go negative.

 

[Flem274*]

reckon kohli wouldn't stand up to the quality of wagnerball smith did yesterday

 

[TheJediBrah]

Probably not the best thread for this but wasn't sure where to put it. Quite amazing even if not unexpected.

Worldwide test batting averages vs balls projcted to hit stumps (min 500 runs & since 2006)

Steve Smith - 41.33
AB de Villiers - 32.41
Kevin Pietersen - 32.26
Sir Alastair Cook - 30.57
Andrew Strauss - 25.04
Virat Kohli - 24.08

2 things I take from this:
1) props to whoever compiled these stats
2) just bowl on the stumps ****s

(yes I know it's not that simple)

 

[Spark]

That Kohli stat really, really surprises me.