IND Vs ENG: Naseer Hussain Laments Exclusion Of James Anderson In First Test Against India

Hyderabad: Former England captain Naseer Hussain lamented the exclusion of veteran pacer James Anderson against India in the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. England decided to go with three frontline spinners including a debutant with Mark Wood being the only seamer in Hyderabad. While Jack Leach was making his comeback, Joe Root added for the fourth spinner’s slot for England.

But England’s tactics didn’t help as India went on to pile 421/7 with three batters scoring more than 80 runs in Yashasvi Jaiswal (80), KL Rahul (86) and Ravindra Jadeja (81 not out). During the Indian innings, there were also five half-century partnerships.

Working as an analyst for Sky Sports, Hussain stated that Anderson would have given England more control considering the veteran pacer’s skills and records on sub-continent pitches. “I said before the game that I would have played Anderson,” Hussain said.

“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,” added the former skipper. Hussain was a bit surprised by the balance of the England side as they have four spinners including Root. Leach, who hasn’t bowled since May-June last year due to a stress fracture, is yet to take a wicket in the match.

In 25 overs Leach has bowled so far, the off-spinner managed just one maiden, conceding 54 runs. Although debutant Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed shared three wickets between them, but they failed to make a mark against the Indian batters who batted with utter cautiousness.

“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,” Hussain added. England bowlers were all in spirit and optimism while bowling and appealing throughout the day, but they lacked consistency in hitting the right spot, except Root, who is more than a part-timer in these conditions.

With three wickets in hand, India would be targeting to get as much runs as possible on Day 3. On the other hand, England will be looking to end the Indian batting order as quickly as possible with some pace first up.