‘You’re leaving out one of our greatest ever cricketers’ – Nasser Hussain analyses England’s playing XI for Hyderabad Test

Nasser Hussain and James Anderson. (Photo Source: Twitter)

As we gear up for the much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England, the cricket world braces for a spin dominance set to unfold in Hyderabad starting January 25. The stage is set for a thrilling contest, and as we all think, conditions are expected to favour the spinners.

England, going into the series, seem to be banking on their spin arsenal, with Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Jack Leach all making it to the playing 11 in the opening Test. However, it’s noteworthy that only Leach brings prior experience of bowling in Indian conditions. Former England captain Nasser Hussain, while expressing his reservations, commented on England’s choice to field three spinners, citing the lack of experience as the driving force.

“You look at other countries that try to hit India with spin historically. Shane Warne didn’t get that many wickets and that much success in India, be it against the Fab Five or a different Indian batting lineup,” Hussain told Sky Sports.

“I would like a more balanced bowling attack, but I guess with Rehan Ahmed’s second Test match… (he has) hardly debuted. Leach is not bowling for a long time, they just feel they need three because looking at that surface… it’s going to turn,” he added.

Hussain’s concern centres around the inexperience of the spin trio, especially Ahmed and Hartley, who are yet to establish themselves in the Test arena.

“Inexperience has led to the four spinners option as well. You’ve got Leach, who hasn’t bowled since June-July. You’ve got the two inexperienced lads in Hartley and Rehan Ahmed, and you’ve got Joe Root. You think if it would’ve been Swann or Panesar as an example, you could’ve gone with a more balanced side,” he added.

You’re leaving out one of our greatest ever cricketers, Jimmy Anderson: Nasser

Interestingly, the exclusion of James Anderson from the playing XI has raised eyebrows, with Mark Wood being the sole fast bowler for England. Hussain questioned this decision, emphasising Anderson’s track record in the subcontinent.

“One seamer, if you lose the toss, say tomorrow, and it’s not doing that much, and you’re starting with spin, you’re leaving out one of our greatest ever cricketers in Jimmy Anderson, arguably, our greatest ever bowlers in my eyes who has a pretty good record in this subcontinent,” added Hussain.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash, the outcome of this spin-dominated battle will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the series.