Steve Harmison is backing Joe Root to break his century drought in Australia during the Ashes. He also said that England would win the Ashes urn for the first time since 2015.

Harmison is confident that Root will have a record-breaking series. The right-hand batter has amassed four Test tons against Australia at home but has yet to register a three-digit mark on Australian soil.

“I am hearing from the people that Joe Root would average 50 in the upcoming Ashes, but I think he is coming to Australia to average 150,” Harmison told Fox Cricket.

Harmison mentioned that Root will go past Alastair Cook’s 766-run tally, which the southpaw accumulated during England’s 2010–11 Ashes triumph.

“Root would score at least one hundred. I won’t be surprised if he surpasses Cook’s numbers.”

The former pacer predicted a 3-1 win for England. “England don’t fear Australia, and the English players will sledge the Aussies. Joe Root will have the best series.”

England Squad for the Ashes

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood