'India are copying England's batting' - Nasser Hussain's shocking accusation amid 5-match Test series
Published - 02 Feb 2024, 04:29 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain made a shocking revelation about the Indian batters’ preparation leading up to the second Test between the two teams. Nasser Hussain stated that Indian batters seem to be influenced by England’s successful batting techniques.
The English batters executed reverse sweeps and unorthodox shots during the series opener. The visiting team registered a 28-run victory in the first Test match in Hyderabad. They kept the quality Indian bowlers under pressure, especially in the second innings of the game.
Rohit Sharma Tried One In The Other Game – Nasser Hussain
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain said that Indian players practiced sweeps and reverse sweeps in the nets before the second Test. Hussain pointed out that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma attempted to play those shots in the recent game.
“Some of the Indians were remarkably playing their sweeps and reverse sweeps. Rohit tried one in the other game. I know it’s a shot Rohit’s been working on, but it’s almost making India think, watching the way Duckett and Pope have been playing, and they’re almost trying to copy England’s batting. Is that right?” Nasser Hussain told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
The Ben Stokes-led team posted a formidable total of 420 runs in the second innings of the previous match. England vice-captain Ollie Pope scored 196 runs off 278 balls, including 21 boundaries. Pope scored plenty of runs behind the wicket during his knock.
The visiting team set up a target for India in the final innings of the series opener. The English spinners troubled the Indian batters on a turning track. Debutant Tom Hartley took seven wickets to help the team take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Shoaib Bashir Is Not Too Dissimilar To Tom Hartley – Michael Atherton
During the same conversation, Michael Atherton emphasized the similarity between Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley. Atherton stated that Bashir could add a valuable dimension to England’s spin bowling.
“What they like about Bashir is that he is not too dissimilar to Tom Hartley. They have taken a view that spinners that have been successful in India have been tall, drive the ball into the surface and bowl very quickly,” Atherton stated.
“I watched Bashir in the nets and he probably has an inch on Hartley. He has big, long fingers – Monty Panesar-type fingers. Panesar was a bowler who could wrap his fingers around the ball and give it a rip and Bashir has got that as well,” he added.
Shoaib Bashir missed the first Test due to visa issues. However, the 20-year-old was included in the playing XI for the second Test. Bashir replaced the most experienced spinner in the English lineup, Jack Leach, who was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.
Bashir picked up his maiden wicket by dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for 14 runs in Visakhapatnam. However, young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a century in the second session. The home team scored 225 runs for 3 wickets before the tea break on Day 1.
Also read: Nasser Hussain taken aback by Ben Stokes’ and Brendon McCullum’s last-minute call
Tagged:
England National Cricket Team IND vs ENG 2024 India National Cricket Team Michael Atherton Nasser Hussain Shoaib Bashir
