Darren Lehmann Critiques Joe Root's Legacy

Darren Lehmann, former Australia coach, has criticized Joe Root's performance in Australia, stating that he needs to score a century in the Ashes to be considered an 'all-time great' alongside players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. Despite Root's impressive overall record, including 35 Test centuries, he has failed to reach three figures in Australia, averaging only 35.68 in 27 innings. Lehmann emphasized that true greatness requires consistent performance globally under challenging conditions, a standard he believes Root has not met. Meanwhile, Kohli celebrated his return to form by scoring his 30th Test century, further solidifying his status among the elite. As Australia faced a humiliating defeat to India by 295 runs in the opening Test, the focus on Root's Ashes record intensified, with Lehmann declaring him a 'rung below' his contemporaries. England's upcoming Ashes series will be crucial for Root to redefine his legacy in the sport.