All eyes are on Joe Root as England embarks on their crucial Ashes tour of Australia. Despite being the world’s top Test batter and second-highest scorer in history, Root has a challenging record in Australia, marked by an absence of centuries and wins. However, former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has made a bold prediction: Root will average over 150 in the upcoming series.
Harmison believes this Ashes campaign could be career-defining for Root, who has dominated Australia at home but struggled to replicate that success down under. The conditions in Australia have historically posed difficulties, but Harmison is confident that Root’s current form and mentality are set for a significant breakthrough. “People have been telling me for two years that Joe Root is coming over to Australia to average 50. He’s not. I think he’s coming over to average 150,” Harmison stated.
Furthermore, Harmison forecasts a commanding 3-1 series victory for England. He attributes this confidence to the fearless approach of England’s younger players and the potential disruption caused by the absence of certain Australian stars. Harmison indicated that the current England squad is not intimidated by Australia and is prepared to challenge them aggressively, with Root expected to be at the forefront of their success.