Joe Root Michael Hussey Australia England Ashes
Defeat would make Joe Root better as a skipper and as a batsman, says Michael Hussey. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

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.

Ashes 2017/18: This Series Could be the Making of Joe Root as Skipper - Michael Hussey
England are in danger of suffering another whitewash in Australia (Credits: Getty)

ALSO READ: Moeen Ali’s Role of a Frontline Spinner is Definitely in Danger – Michael Hussey

“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.

ALSO READ: Joe Root, Alastair Cook Have Done Next To Nothing – Graeme Swann

“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.”

Ashes 2017/18: This Series Could be the Making of Joe Root as Skipper - Michael Hussey
Root scored two fifties in the first three Tests (Credits: Getty)

ALSO READ: This Series will Make me a Better Player and a Better Captain – Joe Root

Read More  Virat Kohli's RCB issue an official statement after SRH breaks their 11-year old record of the highest team total in IPL history

Video of the day:

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.