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.
"I think the Australian team have bowled pretty well to him, so we'll see how things go further down the line.
"From my point of view, he was our premier batter and the Australians always try and target the opposition captain. He's played well when he's got starts and I don't see too many problems."
"No one has mentioned it or spoken about it. It's all talk from you guys (the media)."
"But I am looking forward to getting home and it's time for someone else to come in with a new voice."
- Anderson backs Root -
=======================
"But the team has been developing over the last few years and going into a big series like this you want a settled team that's fit and firing. I feel for Joe as he's not quite had that. It's been difficult."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content