The Ashes 2021-22: They Must Attack David Warner- Nasser Hussain Believes Battle Between Bowlers And Warner Is The Key

Updated - 07 Dec 2021, 02:19 PM

Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain (Image Credit: Twitter

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has pointed out that the biggest threat to England’s chances is the Australian opener, David Warner. Joe Root’s men need to get the left-hander out early and not allow him to settle down, as per Hussain.

In the previous Ashes series held in 2019, Warner was constantly dismissed by Stuart Broad. The left-hander endured a torrid series, averaging 9.5 in the 5-match Test series. The same amount of pressure needs to be applied this time as well, Hussain stated.

The battle between England’s bowlers and David Warner will be absolutely vital to the outcome of this Ashes. Stuart Broad has been all over him like a rash in Test cricket in England. They must attack Warner, unlike in the last away Ashes when England put out sweepers to him at the start of his innings.”

David Warner
David Warner [Image-Getty]
If Warner gets Australia off to a flyer and then Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne come in with runs on the board, England will be chasing the game. They have to avoid that at all costs,” Hussain wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“England maybe a little light in some areas but so are Australia”- Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain also noted that both teams have weaknesses in their armoury, something the opponent can easily exploit. The first Test is being played at the Gabba, which was unbreached until India defeated the Aussies this January. A similar result is possible if England put their best step forward, the former England captain said.

Pat Cummins, Joe Root
Pat Cummins, Joe Root (Image: Twitter)

Australia do have vulnerabilities. Warner is trying to resurrect his Test career while Marcus Harris and Travis Head are starting again. England may be a little light in some areas but so are Australia and, as India proved in the last Test played in Brisbane, the Gabba is no longer a fortress. England can win if they do the basics well and remain flexible but, most importantly, they have to get big first-innings runs,” Hussain concluded.

Both the teams need to sort out their weaknesses heading into the first Test at the Gabba. The series will also be a huge Test for Joe Root and Pat Cummins, the two captains of the sides.

Also Read – The Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins’ Status As An Elite Performer Is Beyond Argument- Michael Atherton

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