Ashes 2017/18: This Series Could be the Making of Joe Root as Skipper - Michael Hussey

With nothing much going his way, under-fire England skipper Joe Root has received some encouraging words from former Australia batsman Michael Hussey.

In fact, the batting legend believes Root’s struggle both as a player and captain in the ongoing Ashes could be the making of the 26-year old as a Test skipper.

Root, who began his captaincy career with a monumental 3-1 series win over South Africa, has endured a terrible time Down Under. England was thoroughly outplayed by Australia in the three Tests, as they surrendered the urn after losing all the games. The margin of defeats have only widened, as the series progressed – they lost the first Test by ten wickets, and the following one by 120 runs before going down in the third at the WACA by an innings and 41 runs.

Not surprisingly, Root had faced the heat from several quarters with the likes of Graeme Swann and Ricky Ponting leading the charge. However, Hussey believes the rookie skipper has done ‘quite well’ for England who has been dogged by off-field controversies in the buildup to the series as well as during the series.

“I actually think he’s done quite well because there’s been a lot of distractions for England,” Hussey told cricket.com.au.

Hussey further said Root has not performed as per expectations but praised him for being calm in tough times.

“There’s been the headbutting incident (involving Jonny Bairstow), the Ben Stokes saga playing out and there’s been three losses in a row. He’s been disappointed, and he would have wanted to perform better as well. But he’s come across quite level-headed, not wanting to panic, not wanting to make any rash decisions that other people around him (have), with fans and the media calling for a few heads,” the Ashes and World Cup-winner said.

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“I think that’s a good sign and I think a tour like this can really help his education as a skipper and it could be the making of him,” he added.

Hussey went on to say that Root’s disappointing series could not be blamed on a lack of effort. The England skipper has got the starts in the series but has not converted them into big ones.

“I was interested in one of his comments that maybe one of his faults has been that he’s been trying too hard,” he said.

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“I can empathise with that because I put a lot of pressure on myself and sometimes tries too hard. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse you go.”

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