ENG vs SA: Nasser Hussain Terms England “Favourites” To Win Test Series; Says Can’t Underestimate South Africa

Former cricketer Nasser Hussain termed England the favourites to win the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa but warned them about taking the visitors lightly. He further told Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to guard against the tourists’ habit of “unseating England captains in the not too distant past”.

Dean Elgar’s side will take on the Stokes-led England in the opening Test at Lord’s from August 17 and the hosts go into the series as favourites, given they recently clean-swept the three-Test series against New Zealand and defeated India in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston.

South Africa has faced their own problems with Kagiso Rabada dealing with an injury and Duanne Olivier being ruled out of the series due to a hip injury as well. This leaves Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje the main pace bowlers for the Proteas.

“When England take the field against South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday, their greatest wish will be to continue the momentum built up during four remarkable victories against New Zealand and India. I fancy them to win the series, but it won’t be easy,” opined Hussain in his column for Daily Mail.

“South Africa are top of the World Test Championship, and keep churning out results under the gritty leadership of Dean Elgar. Recently, they came from behind to beat India at home. They’ve had a habit of unseating England captains in the not-too-distant past, and while I’m not suggesting they will do the same to Ben Stokes this summer, Stokes will know his team faces a challenge, particularly against the South African bowlers,” added Husain.

Nasser Hussain Wants England To Be Cautious And Judicious Despite Calling Bazball A Great Concept

England’s new aggressive way of playing in Tests under the new head coach McCullum has been termed as ‘Bazball’ and though Hussain said that it was a great way to play cricket, England needed to be cautious with their approach.

He said: “The change in mindset brought about by Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been outstanding, but England have also had some narrow escapes this summer. New Zealand were ahead in all three Tests, and it needed a huge partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Jamie Overton to get England out of trouble against them at Headingley.

They also know there will be times when they have to play the conditions: if the ball’s nipping around, put the big shots in the locker for a bit. Stay positive, but don’t throw it away.”

Also Read: It Would Be Nice To Be Able To Play More Test Cricket – Anrich Nortje