Putting traditional pre Ashes banter aside, Peter Handscomb full of praises for Joe Root

Australian number five batsman in Tests, Peter Handscomb, post his stint with Yorkshire in the county season, was all praises for fellow Yorkshireman and England skipper Joe Root, who will be captaining his side in the upcoming Ashes series starting late November. He was also full of praises for left hander Gary Ballance as he hoped to see him bat at number 3 for England down under.

Handscomb, who had an impressive series against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently looking forward to the upcoming assignment against Bangladesh. The wicket-batsman drew similarities in captaincy between Steve Smith and Joe Root.

“I was quite lucky, I managed to bat with him a couple of times. He’s quite a relaxed character. He’s class. He just knows his game so well but also knows the opposition’s game very well. So he’s one step ahead before the ball has come down in a sense.” commented Peter Handscomb according to AAP. “Yeah, and he (Root) has obviously taken to captaincy quite well too. He’s calm. He reads the game well and I think he’ll do a good job as England captain.” added Handscomb while praising Root.

Ballance enquiring about conditions Down Under

“It’s quite an open conversation; you’re trying to be better players and learn from each other. In world cricket now there’s no real secrets because guys play with each other so often and also against each other, you see a lot and you can learn a lot if you’re watching. There were a couple of good conversations but nothing too drastic.” claimed the 26-year-old, when Ballance enquired about conditions in Australia.

Handscomb on Ballance’s place in the English squad

“I have no doubt he’ll be in their squad. I got to watch him put on a clinic at the start of the season, he was making hundred after hundred,” quoted Handscomb on Ballance’s place in the English squad in the upcoming Ashes series. Ballance suffered an injury after the second Test match against South Africa.