Shane Warne says it is hard to pick No.1 Test batsman between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith

Under Kohli’s captaincy, Team India equalized Australia’s record of nine consecutive Test series win and in the South Africa tour, they are looking forward to creating a new record of 10 consecutive Test series win. On the other hand, Australia is playing Ashes under Smith’s guidance where they win the first two Tests. But more than their leadership, the duo inspired their respective teams through resolute batting performances and that put the Australian leg-spinner in a dilemma as he failed to choose only one as the best Test batsman.

“If I was England the best thing now would be to not say a word to him when he walks out, just ignore him and give him the silent treatment. Engaging him in banter could just ignite the concentration within and lead to a big hundred for the Aussie skipper. It's a bit like when the Australian teams that I played in started sledging Brian Lara – we learnt after the seventh or eighth ton that it wasn't a great plan," Warne explained.

"For mine, the art of sledging is all about unsettling your opponent to the point where they lose concentration and focus. It's about being subtle, clever and humorous rather than loud bravado. It's the little word here or there, often when your opponent least expects it, that can really touch a nerve. Sledging is about making a batsman think of something other than what he should be,” he stated.

"Taking an example from another sport, it's like arriving at a par three with a green protected by water and recalling to your partner about the time he 'sliced one into the drink on the right'. (It) just gets you thinking.