Joe Root has showcased exceptional batting form in the ongoing three-match Test series between England and Sri Lanka. The former England captain has impressed with his performances, including centuries in both innings of the second Test. This achievement not only contributed to England’s unassailable 2-0 series lead but also marked Root’s 34th Test century, surpassing Alastair Cook’s record of 33.
With a staggering 350 runs at an average of 116.67 from just four innings, Root is the leading run-scorer of the series and holds the record for the most Test centuries by an England batter.
Despite the accolades for his batting prowess, Nasser Hussain has raised a critical point regarding Root’s game. In his column for The Daily Mail, Hussain highlighted a specific area where Root needs to improve: his catching. Hussain’s comments come as a constructive critique, emphasizing the importance of sharp fielding, especially with the Ashes series against Australia looming next year.
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“Sri Lanka, like West Indies, do not play a lot of Test cricket, but as we move into the final Test of the summer this week, England have done enough against the pair to suggest they are positioning themselves nicely for the Australian challenge,” Nasser Hussain wrote.
He continued, “However, although Root’s batting was at its superlative best, for someone with such high standards, there is one thing he must improve on — his catching. He put down multiple chances here. Drop Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne and it could be Ashes gone.”
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England last held the Ashes urn in 2015. Since then, Australia has claimed two series victories and two series have ended in a draw. The last Ashes series on home soil saw Australia dominate with a 4-0 win. Root’s last series as England’s captain ended in defeat, and he stepped down shortly after, with Ben Stokes taking over the captaincy. As England gears up for the next Ashes battle, Root’s catching will be crucial to their success.
