AUS vs ENG: "England Are Still Slight Favourites, Even After Australia's Start" - Nasser Hussain Makes Prediction On Ashes Finale
Published - 31 Jul 2023, 12:39 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels that the Ben Stokes-led team is slightly favorites to win the fifth and final Test against Australia in the Ashes 2023 series. Nasser Hussain highlighted that the surface will offer help to spinners on the final day of the Test match at The Oval in London.
Australia showcased a strong batting performance in the run chase, scoring 135 runs without losing any wickets by the stumps on Day 4. David Warner scored 58 runs, and Usman Khawaja contributed 69 runs. Australia needed 249 runs to win, while England required 10 wickets to secure the win.
The Rain Has Given Moeen Ali A Bit More Time – Nasser Hussain
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain predicted that England still have the potential to win the final Test, despite Australia’s promising start in the run chase.
“My feeling is that England are still slight favourites, even after Australia’s start. The pitch is spinning and a day-five Oval pitch does turn. Hopefully the rain has given Moeen Ali a bit more time to get better,” Hussain told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
Moeen Ali suffered a groin injury while batting on the opening day and was unable to bowl in Australia’s first innings. He batted at No. 7 in the second innings, scoring 29 runs off 38 balls. He managed to bowl five overs in Australia’s second innings.
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that Moeen Ali could play a significant role on the final day due to the number of left-handers in Australia’s batting lineup.
“Australia have two left-handers in at the moment and then Alex Carey, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc. Off-spinners like left-handers. It is set up perfectly. The last day of a magnificent series and we still don’t know if it is going to be 2-1, 2-2 or 3-1,” Hussain added.
England last won the Ashes series at home in 2015 and managed to level the series at 2-2 in 2019. The Ben Stokes-led team is now aiming to level the ongoing five-match series at home.
