WTC Final: Nasser Hussain Hails How Indian Openers Played Short-Pitch Deliveries

Former England skipper Nassr Hussain hailed how the Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma pulled off the short-pitch deliveries in the World Test Championship final that started at Southampton on Saturday. Indian openers Sharma and Gill added 62 for the first wicket before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit Sharma. The first day of the WTC final was washed out due to rain and got underway finally on Saturday. Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to field first.

Nasser Hussain talking to Star Sports during the lunch interval spoke about how well the Indian openers played the short ball against the Kiwi quicks. He said that he can’t remember India have had openers that have played the short balls better than these two.

“I was just about to tweet that the Indian openers are giving a masterclass on how to bat in England conditions but they both got out. They played beautifully. Can’t remember India have had openers that have played the short balls better than these two. So they can’t be bullied by the short-ball and technically very sound. With the England tour coming up after this, it was an important innings by Shubman Gill” Hussain said during the post-lunch show on Star Sports.

Nasser Hussain Lauds Shubman Gill

Nasser Husain further lauded Shubman Gill for his patient display throughout his batting innings. He scored 28 off 64 balls with three fours. All the boundaries were hit with a straight bat.

“Balance and calm. You think he has been batting in England all his life. Openers gave a masterclass, they have obviously spoken to Virat as he made those changes in his two previous tours. India obviously have had a chat about getting to the ball before it swings.” said Hussain on Gill.

India lost both their openers at the stroke of lunch to give the Kiwis an edge in the first session. While Jamieson dismissed Rohit, Wagner accounted for Gill’s wicket. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara have resumed India’s post-lunch session.

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