England should go four seamers way to utilize Joe Root’s spin: Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England is due to begin on Wednesday, June 28, at Lord’s. Following a narrow setback in the first Test at Edgbaston, England are contemplating strategic alterations in order to recover and even the series. They are considering speedster, Mark Wood, and the Lord’s specialist, Chris Woakes, as potential Moeen Ali replacements, with a focus on utilizing Joe Root’s efficient part-time spin.

Former England captain, Nasser Hussain, lobbied for Wood’s inclusion, citing his strong track record against Australia in their previous meeting in 2021/22. In that series, Wood emerged as England’s leading wicket-taker.
Woakes, who last played a Test in March 2022, has a remarkable record in five Lord’s appearances. On this historic ground, the 34-year-old all-rounder has 27 wickets at an average of 11.33 and 306 runs with a staggering average of 61.2.

“He (Wood) would probably have to come in for Moeen and use Joe Root as your spinner, so go with four seamers or Chris Woakes.” Chris Woakes has a good record at Lord’s, which would help the batting as well as add another all-rounder. For Moeen Ali, it’s either Woakes or Wood.” This choice would give England more depth in both the batting and bowling areas,” Hussain was quoted as saying by ICC.

They definitely want to win, but they also want them to play attractive cricket: Hussain

England are currently behind in the ongoing Ashes series (0-1) heading into the Lord’s Test after suffering an agonizingly two-wicket defeat at Edgbaston. However, the team has had a fantastic year, winning 11 of 14 Tests under captain Ben Stokes’ leadership in a brief span.

Surprisingly, following the first Ashes Test defeat, skipper Ben Stokes remarked that his team are not just bothered about getting results in their favour everytime but also wants to entertain their crowd with their ‘Bazball’ brand of cricket. Albeit, this didn’t go down well with some fans and cricket experts alike. But the former England skipper Nasser Hussain backs the Stokes-led side to come good ahead in the Ashes Test series.

“They definitely want to win, as do all England fans, but they also want them to play attractive cricket,” Hussain added.