Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli: The better Test batsman

#2. Country-wise performance

Smith has performed better in different countries as compared to Kohli.

Here, we will look at the performance of Smith and Kohli in every country that they have played Test cricket in, away from home. Let us examine the numbers of Kohli first in the following table.

Performance of Kohli in each country

Kohli has an excellent record in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, averaging in excess of 50 in the three countries. In fact, Kohli averages a colossal 71.33 in New Zealand. However, Kohli averages just 36.35 in England and 35.62 in the West Indies. This means that he averages more than 50 in three out of the seven countries. Also, as many as 6 out of his 14 away centuries have come in one country i.e. Australia.

Now, let us have a look at Smith's batting performances away from home.

Smith's performance in each country.

Smith, on the other hand has an average in excess of 50 in 4 countries. In fact, the Australia run machine has a whopping average of 131.00 and 141.50 in New Zealand and West Indies respectively, although it is worth noting that he has played just 2 Test matches in these countries. Also, as many as 6 out of his 13 away hundreds have come against England. Another look at both the tables reveals that Smith has a better average in Bangladesh, New Zealand, England and the West Indies as compared to Kohli.

This shows that Smith has actually performed better in different countries as compared to the Indian batting superstar.