Former England captain Nasser Hussain said that he would have picked the legendary fast bowler James Anderson for the first Test against India to bring balance to the bowling attack.
Hussain expressed his surprise at England playing three specialist spinners in the ongoing first Test in Hyderabad, stating that having Joe Root in the playing XI meant they had "four spinners and one seamer."
He also pointed out that the spinner Jack Leach hadn't bowled for several months due to stress fracture, and the cricket commentator was not pleased with the team selection for the five-match Test series opener.
Nasser Hussain was quoted as saying to Sky Sports: “I said before the game that I would have played Anderson. I was a bit surprised by the balance of the side because some people are saying three spinners, but with Root, we actually have four spinners, and one seamer. So, I was a little bit surprised. I understood why they had done it.”
He further noted, “Firstly, they have seen a bare pitch that's gonna turn. The history of what they have played in India, pitches have turned recently. So, they wanted four spinners or three spinners and Root. Also, for the reasons that we have just discussed. We have got Jack Leach, who hasn't bowled since May-June, because of his stress fractures.”
Hussain said that if not Anderson, Ollie Robinson could also have been picked for the Hyderabad Test against India. Explaining his views, the former skipper noted: “You then got a debutant and someone playing in their second Test match and they may have been a little concerned, how much can you bowl Leach in his comeback game. If you just go for the second spinner and don't get it right, as the two lads haven't quite got it right, Rehan and Hartley.”
He added, “Then you are left in a bit of a tricky position but Anderson gives you control. If not Anderson, it can be Robinson, just another seamer. Anderson's skills in the sub-continent have been exceptional over the last few years. He gives you control, he bowls those cutters, he gets reverse swing.”
Hussain signed off by hailing Anderson, “You are always a better player when you are outside, Anderson was quite a good player and he is quite a good player when he is inside. He is England's greatest-ever bowler.”
(With ANI Inputs)
