England's batting maestro Joe Root has given a strong retort to ex-Australia cricketer Darren Lehmann's recent remarks questioning his all-time great status. Lehmann, the former Australian coach, suggested that Root's less number of centuries in an Ashes series in Australia is the only factor preventing him from being considered an all-time great alongside players like Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli.
Joe Root reacts to Darren Lehmann's remark
Root, however, has dismissed Lehmann's opinion, stating that everyone is entitled to their own views. While talking about Lehmann's perspective, Root remains confident in his own achievements and contributions to the game.
"That's the only thing stopping Joe Root. He's a great player, but is he an all-time great? I don't have him in that realm," Lehmann told ABC Sports.
"I don't have him in that realm. I think you've got to make hundreds all around the world. [Steve] Smith does, [Kane] Williamson has, Kohli has, [Rohit] Sharma has – I mean they're world-class players," he added.
Ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, Joe Root addressed Darren Lehmann's comments regarding his all-time great status. Root emphasized his primary focus, which is to consistently score runs for England. He acknowledged Lehmann's right to express his opinions, adding that they haven't interacted in a while.
"My job is to score runs, right? To turn up every game and try to do all I can out in the middle. His job is to give his opinion and talk on the radio," the batting ace further stated.
"I've not spoken to him for a while," Root clarified.
"I'll do my job and he can do his job. He's completely entitled to say what he wants. That's his right," he concluded.
As far as Root's track record is concerned, he has toured Australia three times and is expected to be part of the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series in 2025. In his previous tours, he has amassed 1338 runs in 14 matches, averaging an impressive 58.17. As England gears up for the three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on November 28, Root will have another opportunity to prove his batting prowess.
