Australia skipper Pat Cummins is pleased by the fact that his team has been able to keep England captain Joe Root quiet in the ongoing Ashes series so far.

Root ended 2021 as the highest run-getter in the longest format, amassing 1708 runs with 6 centuries. However, the right-hander has managed 253 runs in three Tests thus far in the Ashes, including three half-centuries.

Addressing the media on the eve of the fourth Test in Sydney, Cummins hoped that the Aussie bowlers will continue their good work against Root in the remaining two Tests.

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"Yeah, I think he (Root) has been batting really well. But yeah, hasn't played that match-defining knock which has been great. I think everyone's bowled really well at him," Cummins said on Tuesday (January 4).

"Someone like Cam Green to step up, as a captain, I feel like I've got a lot of options to throw at him. That's what you need when you're playing against the best players in the world. So, yeah, he's looked good, it's up to us to try and keep him quiet. But that's been a really pleasing part of our bowling attack so far," he added.

England's preparations for the fourth Test have been badly impacted as four members of their support staff, including head coach Chris Silverwood, have contracted COVID-19 and are set to miss the Sydney Test.

Cummins felt for the touring English side as he acknowledged that Root and company had a tough time dealing with COVID-related restrictions and issues on this tour.

"I think they've sacrificed quite a lot to come over here. You know, a couple of weeks quarantine, time away from families. You know, some restrictions on what they can do as opposed to pre-pandemic.

"And I think them having some positive cases, the coach obviously being away from this game, I think it's been really tough for them. So we're just really thankful that they're out here you know, as part of the series," he remarked.

Having won the Boxing Day Test by an innings and 14 runs at MCG last week, Australia have already sealed an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the Ashes series.