Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Kohli 'most complete player' around, says England's Root

England's test captain Joe Root considers India's Virat Kohli as currently the most complete player around and said he expects England team mate Jos Buttler to soon replicate his limited-overs dominance in test cricket.

Root himself is considered one of the four best batsmen in contemporary cricket, alongside the prolific Kohli, Australian run-machine Steve Smith and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.


"You're looking at three of the greatest players the game has seen," Root told The Analyst's Virtual Cricket Club.

"They're three brilliant people to watch play and learn from. I'm not sure I'd put myself in their bracket, to be honest."

While he admired Smith's hunger for big scores and Williamson's all-surface defence, Root was particularly impressed by Kohli's versatility.

"Virat is probably the most complete player out of the three of them across formats. His ability to chase things down in the limited-overs format and to pace it as well as he does as often as he does and be not out at the end is extraordinary.

"He's got a very good all-round game but you wouldn't say he's weaker against spin or pace."

Root, meanwhile, has high expectations from England's limited-overs stalwarts Buttler who is yet to reach the same high in test cricket.

"Jos has been the most complete white-ball batsman we've had ever," Root said.

"I think he's a phenomenal player and I still don't think we've seen the best of him yet. Hopefully this summer in test cricket can unlock doors for him.

"I saw a piece about (South Africa great) AB de Villiers and he said it took him 50 tests to work out his test game. I think it's very similar to Jos, to be honest."

More For You

National Trust pledges equality
in access to nature and heritage

Visitors walk the Ridge Trail at Divis and the Black Mountain, Northern Ireland

National Trust pledges equality in access to nature and heritage

THE National Trust – which wants more Eastern Eye readers to visit its properties, apply for jobs with the organisation, become curators and offer to become volunteers – is marking its 130th anniversary by announcing an ambitious 10-year plan “to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history”.

The trust, it emphasised, “is for everyone”. Its director general, Hilary McGrady, said: “For 130 years, the National Trust has responded to the crises and challenges of the time. Today, nature is declining before our eyes and climate change is threatening homes and habitats on a colossal scale. Meanwhile, millions of people can’t enjoy the benefits that green space and heritage bring.”

Keep ReadingShow less
UK to lead European growth in 2025, predicts IMF

FILE PHOTO: A view of the Bank of England and the financial district, in London, Britain. REUTERS/Mina Kim.

UK to lead European growth in 2025, predicts IMF

BRITAIN is set to have the fastest growth among major European economies this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, a boost to finance minister Rachel Reeves who is under pressure over a slowdown since her party came to power in July.

The IMF has raised its forecast for British growth for 2025 by 0.1 percentage points to 1.6 per cent, making it the third-strongest among the Group of Seven advanced economies after the US and Canada.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK riots

Last summer’s riots demonstrated how misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, ignited by a tiny minority of extremists, can lead to violence on our streets

Getty Images

‘Events in 2024 have shown that social cohesion cannot be an afterthought’

THE past year was marked by significant global events, and the death and devastation in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan – with diplomatic efforts failing to achieve peace – have tested our values.

The involvement of major powers in proxy wars and rising social and economic inequalities have deepened divisions and prolonged suffering, with many losing belief in humanity. The rapid social and political shifts – home and abroad – will continue to challenge our values and resilience in 2025 and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
A grassroots revolution: A human-centred approach to global health

A grassroots revolution: A human-centred approach to global health

In the heart of India’s rural landscapes, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way the world ad[1]dresses neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

As we come together to mark World Leprosy Day on Sunday 26 January, we are reminded that leprosy remains a symbol of stigma and despair for millions. It continues to cast a shadow over these communities, robbing individuals of their dignity and opportunities. Yet, amidst these challenges, hope rises—not from the halls of global summits but from the villages where community members are stepping forward as changemakers.

Keep ReadingShow less
The life and glorious career of Geeta Bali

Geeta Bali

The life and glorious career of Geeta Bali

THE greatness of late film star Geeta Bali was evident in her magnetic screen presence, exceptional acting talent, and lasting influence on popular culture.

She also embodied girl power by living life on her own terms and famously marrying actor Shammi Kapoor. Despite retiring early and tragically passing away at the age of 34 on January 21, 1965, she left behind a remarkable legacy and remains one of Indian cinema’s greatest icons.

Keep ReadingShow less