Well, I draw this reference because people do speak about Joe Root, they do speak a lot. And while you’re streaming his video from 2014 on YouTube, and reminiscing his form, a gigantic batting average of 97, you’ll realize he’s not the same anymore. Since Sir Alastair Cook stepped down as captain, in February 2017, the next crowned captain of England faced a heavy dip in his numbers and it continues. In 2018, Root was still safe in the cocoon(may I include, he was still kept at gunpoint) as England won eight out of thirteen games in the calendar year. Now as we step into the 2020s, I do recall that the year 2019 was, in fact, terrible for the English Test side and Root’s form to top it all. If not for the double hundred, in a drawn second Test, against New Zealand in December Root would’ve had really bad numbers to the sport. 

Now, my point isn’t bringing anyone down to prove the other to be mightier of the two. However, being the Test captain of England and leading the Black Caps are two absolutely different things. Hence, the metric based on which the two will be judged is always going to different. However, I believe in ruling all of that out and looking at the two captains as individuals. 

Perhaps, the long-standing criticism against Root is justified if we look at his predecessor. Let’s just accept one fact, he’ll always be compared to the greatness of Cook and hence no can stop the widespread English media, the over-enthusiastic fans and the extremely hopeful experts from putting pressure on Root. Cook had set some real standards which Root, up to a point, did emerge successful in matching. And we know, the Poms have expectations higher than their combined capacity and dare Root, or anyone at all, breach that. However, don’t think Root will be dethroned as captain anytime soon. The worst thing that can happen to him in these times is not getting knighted by the time he retires. But that worst thing that could’ve happened to him is underway. If you’re not a target of the English media, you don’t know what Root is put through. Kane Williamson doesn’t know what Root has to go through. 

And the latter, far far away from the clutches of the media, takes a comfortable seat on his rocking chair despite a clear fall in form. Look at his previous tour to Australia and you’ll know. Look at his heroics in UAE last year and you’ll know. They’re all in the past now. Perhaps, Williamson is living off the reputation of his greatness. Not denying his greatness at all, as a New Zealand fan I’ve seen nothing from my captain for the team in a long time. Precisely, since the World Cup. All we have got are 240 runs, averaging 26.66, across ten innings. One may think it’s a bit harsh on a player of Williamson’s repute. And that’s where I swoop in, re-establishing the point that the Kiwi captain, a great by all means, is not living up to his reputations. But if you think the media will take note, think again.