(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former England captain and commentator Nasser Hussain exuded pride as he witnessed the young and energetic English side giving a tough competition to hosts India in the five-match Test series.
Ben Stokes, leading England, surged ahead 1-0 after clinching victory in the series-opener at Hyderabad by a margin of 28 runs. Despite trailing in the initial two days of the first Test, England staged a remarkable comeback in their second innings on Day 3, ultimately securing the win in the closing moments of Day 4.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Stokes’ team posted a first-innings total of 246 runs. In response, India took the lead with 190 runs, amassing 436 runs in their first innings. However, the tide turned in the second innings when England took to the crease, batting for 102.1 overs. While the visitors were at 163-5 at one point, their last wicket fell at 420, propelled by Ollie Pope’s heroic 196-run knock. Setting India a target of 231 runs, England, aided by Tom Hartley’s seven wickets, restricted the hosts to 202, clinching victory by 28 runs.
Hussain, in his recent column for Sky Sports, commended England’s tenacity, emphasizing their ability to stay focused amid doubts. He praised the team’s unwavering determination, stating, “What I like about them is their stubbornness. If you doubt them, they’ll double down on it and go even more stubborn. I think that is a good thing because if you’re constantly listening to all the noise, all that’s written and said, you flicker from one theory to another.”
Reflecting on England’s batting prowess in challenging conditions, he added, “The present regime know what they want. They’re going to stick with that and even when they’re behind, they will back the cricketers to turn it around. They have shown they are a side not to be messed with.”
Assessing India’s performance, Hussain acknowledged their strength as a formidable side but pointed out missed opportunities, particularly in their first innings.
“India will probably rue their first innings. They got 436 but actually they could have got a lot more if not for some sloppy dismissals. They will come back. They are a very fine side and history tells you it will be tough for England here. But it is a wake-up call for India as England have shown Bazball can work in these conditions,” Hussain concluded.