Joe Root is under "no pressure" as England captain despite failing to wrest the Ashes from Australia's grasp, outgoing coach Trevor Bayliss said on Tuesday. Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 with one Test to go, meaning they are certain to retain the urn because they are the Ashes holders. England's failure has led to questions over Root's position, particularly given his inconsistent batting throughout the series. But Australian Bayliss, who leaves his role after four years following this week's final Test at the Oval, said there were no issues with his skipper.
"He's not come under question from anyone making any decisions," Bayliss said. "He's under no pressure at all." Root, sixth in the world rankings, averages less than 31 in the series so far and has been dismissed for nought three times. Speaking about Root's form with the bat, Bayliss added: "Everyone goes through periods where they don't score as many runs as they'd like'.
