Pakistan’s remarkable turnaround against England in the recently concluded Test series has been attributed to their ability to neutralize England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach. Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain praised Pakistan’s tactical adjustments, particularly their reliance on high-quality spinners.
After losing six consecutive Tests, Pakistan made significant changes to their team, dropping underperforming players and introducing spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. These changes proved pivotal as the spinners dominated England’s batters, exposing their vulnerability against spin bowling.
Hussain highlighted the contrast between Pakistan’s spin prowess and England’s struggles in this area. “They have spinners of the highest quality and they have players that play spin really well,” he said. “It is exposed to England when the ball does spin. When it spins and it is gripping, England does not play spin or bowl spin as good as Pakistan.”
Hussain also questioned England’s ability to adapt to different pitch conditions. “There should be a discrepancy because the pitches have been so different from the first Test to the second and third,” he said. “But, the discrepancy in the England side is a concern.”
In the third Test at Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s spinners once again played a crucial role. Sajid and Noman combined for 10 wickets, while Saud Shakeel’s century helped Pakistan secure a 77-run lead. England’s second innings collapse, where they were bowled out for 112, sealed Pakistan’s 2-1 series victory.
Shakeel was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning century. Hussain’s comments underscore the importance of spin bowling in subcontinent conditions and the need for England to improve their ability to play and bowl spin effectively.
