Nasser Hussain slams England for toying with James Anderson's career

Former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed surprise at the exclusion of veteran fast bowler James Anderson from the playing XI. Nasser Hussain criticized England’s team selection for the first Test against India, stating that they failed to pick a balanced side.

The first Test between India and England is scheduled to commence at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. Notably, the England team announced their starting XI, including three specialist spin bowlers, on Wednesday.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach is the only experienced spinner in the bowling attack, which includes Rehan Ahmed and debutant Tom Hartley. Leach secured 18 wickets in four matches during England’s last Test tour of India in 2021, despite the team facing a 1-3 defeat.

However, Leach last played a Test match against Ireland in June last year. Hartley has taken 40 wickets in 20 first-class matches for Lancashire. Rehan, who made his Test debut against Pakistan last year, claimed seven wickets, including his maiden five-wicket haul (5/48).

Jack Leach Hasn’t Bowled Since June – Nasser Hussain

Speaking ahead of the match, Nasser Hussain suggested that England might have achieved better balance in the team by considering experience. Hussain questioned the decision to opt for four spinners, particularly highlighting Jack Leach’s lack of match practice.

“Do you think that inexperience maybe as well has led to the four spinner option? You’ve obviously got Leach. Like you said, haven’t bowled since June. July. You’ve got the two inexperienced lads in Hartley and Rehan Ahmed. You could have gone with more balance in the side,” said Hussain.

Would Like A More Balanced Bowling Attack – Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain emphasized that James Anderson’s inclusion could have provided a more balanced bowling attack. Hussain acknowledged the three spinners were included in the starting XI due to the anticipation of a turning surface.

“You’re leaving out one of our greatest ever cricketers in Jimmy Anderson. Our greatest ever bowler has a good record in the subcontinent. I would like a more balanced bowling attack. But I guess with Rehan Ahmed’s second test match, partly debut, Leach not bowling for a long time. They just feel they need three because obviously looking at that surface, it’s going to turn,” Hussain added.

James Anderson has taken 690 wickets in 183 Tests at an average of 26.42. The 41-year-old holds a decent record in India, having claimed 34 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 29.32. Notably, he took 12 wickets in England’s historic Test series victory over India in 2012.

Former opener Alastair Cook guided the England team to a 2-1 victory in 2012/13. However, England struggled in their subsequent Test series in India, securing just one win in their last nine Tests. The visiting team suffered a 0-4 defeat in 2016/17 and a 1-3 loss in 2020/21.

England’s playing XI for 1st Test vs India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach.

Also read: IND vs ENG: Nasser Hussain Warns Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli To Be Careful Against English Spinners