Every Single Debutant They Bring In, Puts In A Performance: Nasser Hussain On India

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has been mighty impressed with India’s youngsters, who have stepped up against adversities outstandingly. India’s debutants have risen well above their standards to contribute with compelling performances to script some unforgettable wins significantly. Nasser Hussain acknowledged every debutant in the last 4-6 months have stood up to the challenges and performed well.

India’s two most recent debutants in Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna made a mark during the first ODI against England in Pune. Krunal Pandya made a whirlwind half-century and shared a century partnership with KL Rahul that carried the hosts to 317 in the first innings. The second innings saw paceman Prasidh Krishna go for a few runs; however, he bounced back to claim four wickets and set up a 66-run win.

Nasser Hussain pointed out that India has a long list of debutants that has stood up quite well to the challenges and delivered performances as required. The cricketer-turned-commentator reflected on England’s chances when they were 135-0 in 15 overs and whether they needed to be smarter. He also felt that the tourists missed Joe Root, who often absorbs the pressure by knocking the balls around.

“Every single debutant they bring in, puts in a performance… whether it’s Prasidh, Krunal Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan… the list is long. England will look at themselves – 135/0 in 14 overs and 2 balls chasing that score. Did they need to be a little bit smarter? How much did they miss Joe Root… just to come in and knock it around and before you look at it, Root often is 40 off 50 balls and has soaked up pressure”, Hussain stated as quoted by Hindustan Times”

England have this way of going hard: Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain observed that England had made it a habit of going hard early and they showed it before the 2019 World Cup. But the 52-year old feels there are times when England need to be smart, mainly in low-scoring games. Hussain also pointed out that England had the advantage since Kuldeep Yadav was struggling and Hardik Pandya was probably not going to bowl.

“England have this way of going hard… they showed in the last World Cup. There are times they can just sit in and be smart. You don’t win that low-scoring World Cup without having that capability, but I just don’t think they were smart enough today. Hardik Pandya probably wouldn’t have bowled and Kuldeep was really struggling,” he added.

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