In a recent column for the Daily Mail, the former England cricket captain Nasir Hussain praised Joe Root for his outstanding performance in the ongoing batting Test series between England and Sri Lanka but pointed to a critical area for improvement for England’s star cricketer.
Nasser Hussain urges Joe Root to sharpen his catching skills
Hussain’s analysis highlights both Root’s brilliance and an important aspect of his game that needs refinement.
“Sri Lanka, like the West Indies, do not feature prominently in the Test cricket calendar. However, with the end of this series on the horizon, England have shown enough courage against these teams to set themselves up for a strong test against Australia.Hussein wrote.
While acknowledging Root’s excellent batting that saw him score significant runs, Hussain highlighted the need for improvement in another aspect of his game.
“While Root’s batting is spectacular, there is one area where he needs to improve – his catching. He missed a few chances in this Test and with the Ashes looming, any missed opportunities against the likes of Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne could prove costly,Hussein warned.
He also discussed the conditions and the performance of the England bowling attack.
“The weather was particularly challenging on Sunday, with hot and dry conditions leading to a flat course that offered little spin or swing. On such days, the effectiveness of the bowling attack becomes crucial. Despite the absence of key bowlers like Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, England’s ability to dismiss Sri Lanka twice on this pitch at Lord’s was a commendable achievement. The former captain of the England team noted.
Also WATCH: Alastair Cook gets emotional as Joe Root smashes Test century record for England
Joe Root breaks several records in Lord’s Test
On Day 3 of the second Test at Lord’s, Root displayed his batting excellence, scored his second century of the match and 34th Test century overall. Root’s remarkable 103 came on the back of his first-innings 143 and further cemented his status as the leading century-maker in England’s Test history.
Root’s performance at Lord’s not only added significant runs to his tally but also cemented his legacy as the highest run-scorer in Test matches at Lord’s. Consecutive centuries are a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency.
