Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root’s exceptional batting but highlights a crucial area needing improvement

In a recent column for the Daily Mail, former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain praised Joe Root for his outstanding batting performance in the ongoing Test series between England and Sri Lanka but pointed out a critical area for improvement for England’s star cricketer.

Nasser Hussain urges Joe Root to sharpen catching skills

Hussain’s analysis highlights both Root’s brilliance and a crucial aspect of his game that needs refinement.

“Sri Lanka, much like the West Indies, does not feature prominently on the Test cricket calendar. However, with the conclusion of this series on the horizon, England has demonstrated sufficient prowess against these teams to set themselves up for a robust challenge against Australia,” Hussain wrote.

While acknowledging Root’s superb batting, which has seen him amass significant runs, Hussain stressed a need for improvement in another aspect of his game.

“Although Root’s batting was nothing short of spectacular, there is one area where he must elevate his performance — his catching. He missed several chances in this Test, and with the Ashes coming up, any missed opportunity against players like Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne could prove costly,” Hussain warned.

He also discussed the conditions and the England bowling attack’s performance.

“The weather on Sunday was particularly challenging, with hot and dry conditions leading to a flat pitch that offered little spin or swing. On such days, the efficiency 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 England skipper noted.

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Joe Root breaks several records in Lord’s Test

On Day 3 of the second Test at Lord’s, Root showcased his batting excellence, scoring his second century of the match and his 34th Test century overall. Root’s remarkable innings of 103 came on the back of his first-innings score of 143, further solidifying his status as England’s leading century-maker in Test history.

Root’s performance at Lord’s has not only added significant runs to his tally but has also cemented his legacy at the historic venue, as he became the highest run-scorer in Test matches at Lord’s. His consecutive centuries are a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency.