Today March 28th, marks the birth anniversary of Nasser Hussain, a name which is almost synonymous with English cricket. Born in 1968 in Madras, India, Hussain’s cricketing journey began early as he was nurtured by his family’s deep love for sport. His father, Raza Jawad Joe Hussain, a first-class cricketer for Tamil Nadu, also played field hockey.
Hussain’s family immigrated to England in 1975, where his cricketing talent flourished. At the tender age of 12, he became the youngest player to represent Essex U15. He rose through the ranks quickly, showing his abilities as both a right-handed batsman and a leg-spinner. While his leg spin prowess waned as he grew taller, his batting continued to develop.
Hussain’s international career for England began in 1990. Over his sublime 14-year career, he amassed an impressive record, scoring over 30000 runs across all formats, including 62 centuries.
Hussain’s leadership qualities shone through, culminating in his appointment as England’s captain in 1999. He led the team through a challenging period, marked by inconsistency and high expectations. Despite the hurdles, he instilled a fighting spirit and a culture of winning within the squad. Under him. England achieved the number one ranking in Test Cricket back in 1999 and he led the team to famous away wins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
While his captaincy record might not boast a plethora of trophies, his impact on the team’s mentality and approach to the game remains significant. Sachin Tendulkar once wrote that Hussain was the greatest captain that he had seen in the game.
Hussain retired from international cricket in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and determination. After his retirement, Hussain seamlessly transitioned into the world of cricket commentary and broadcasting. His sharp cricketing mind, coupled with his engaging and often humorous style, has made him a popular voice in the commentary box.