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Pakistan Cricket's Persistent Problems: Hussain Blames Systemic Issues

Pakistan Cricket’s Persistent Problems: Hussain Blames Systemic Issues

By October 15, 2024 0

Pakistan cricket has been plagued by a persistent cycle of changes, with coaches, captains, players, selectors, and even board chairmen coming and going. Despite these constant shifts, the team’s problems remain unresolved.

The latest shake-up came after Pakistan’s loss in the opening Test against England, prompting a change in the selection committee and the benching of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. However, former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the blame lies not with these individuals but with the systemic issues within Pakistan cricket.

“The issue is not Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, or Naseem Shah,” Hussain said. “The issue is behind the scenes in the way Pakistan cricket runs.”

Hussain pointed out that Pakistan has used 26 different selectors for the senior men’s national team, a staggering number that highlights the lack of stability and continuity. He emphasized that no sport or business can function effectively with such frequent changes.

“If you keep changing selectors, coaches, captains—constantly shuffling leadership—it’s impossible to plan ahead,” Hussain said. “No successful business or sports team works that way.”

Hussain also acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Pakistan cricket, but he stressed that the team’s self-inflicted problems have exacerbated the situation.

“They shoot themselves in the foot,” Hussain said. “Their cricket and some of it, you give them a bit of leeway because of the way the finances of the world game have gone with the big three, and they’re picking up the scraps like other nations are.”

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram echoed Hussain’s sentiments, saying that he and Atherton “are onto something.”

As Pakistan prepares for the second Test against England without Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem, the team faces an uphill battle to turn its fortunes around. The constant changes and lack of stability have created a culture of short-term thinking and unpreparedness that has hindered the team’s progress.

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Babar Azam's Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

Babar Azam’s Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

By October 14, 2024 0

Pakistan’s decision to exclude star batsman Babar Azam from the upcoming Test series against England has raised eyebrows, with former England captain Nasser Hussain expressing his surprise. Hussain believes that while Azam is currently out of form, he is a player who can rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.

Azam’s exclusion, along with that of strike bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, was a bold move by Pakistan’s new selection panel. Hussain suggests that England may not be too concerned about Azam’s absence, given his recent struggles. However, he warns that players of Azam’s caliber often find a way to score runs when it matters most.

Azam’s form has dipped since he was appointed captain and Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup in June. He has not scored a Test half-century since 2022, despite an impressive overall record that includes nine centuries and 26 half-centuries in 55 matches.

Meanwhile, Shaheen has struggled to regain his wicket-taking rhythm after recovering from a knee injury. Pakistan’s decision to use the same contentious Multan pitch for the second Test has also drawn criticism from Hussain. He emphasizes the need for a more balanced pitch that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

“Test cricket cannot afford another game like the one we had last week,” Hussain wrote. “There has to be a balance between bat and ball, and that means the pitch has to offer bowlers something at both ends of the game: movement for the seamers at the start, turn for the spinners at the end.”

Pakistan will be desperate to level the series against England, but they will need to find a way to overcome the absence of their star players and the challenges posed by the Multan pitch.

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Hussain's Masterstroke: Tendulkar's Only Test Stumping

Hussain’s Masterstroke: Tendulkar’s Only Test Stumping

By October 8, 2024 0

Nasser Hussain’s Masterstroke: The Only Test Stumping of Sachin Tendulkar’s Illustrious Career

In the annals of cricket history, the name Sachin Tendulkar stands tall as a batting maestro whose mastery of spin and unwavering composure were legendary. However, even the greatest of players are not immune to the occasional lapse, and it was during England’s 2001 tour of India that former England captain Nasser Hussain orchestrated the only Test stumping of Tendulkar’s 200-Test career.

The setting was the third Test at Bengaluru, where Tendulkar, renowned for his ability to negotiate spin with ease, was approaching a century. Hussain, recognizing the need for an unconventional approach to dismiss the Indian legend, devised a clever strategy.

With Tendulkar well-set at the crease on 90, Hussain brought left-arm spinner Ashley Giles into the attack. Giles was instructed to bowl a defensive line well outside Tendulkar’s leg stump, a tactic designed to limit his scoring options and force him into an error.

Frustrated by the lack of scoring opportunities, Tendulkar eventually decided to charge down the wicket and break the shackles. In his attempt to play a more aggressive shot, Tendulkar moved out of his crease to meet the ball, but Giles had applied just enough turn to keep it away from his bat.

Wicketkeeper James Foster, alert to the moment, reacted swiftly. He gathered the ball cleanly and whipped off the bails, leaving Tendulkar stranded outside his crease. It was a moment of precise execution by both Giles and Foster, capitalizing on Tendulkar’s momentary lapse.

The dismissal became iconic, as it was the first and only time Tendulkar was stumped in his 200-Test career. The clever bowling and strategic brilliance of Giles, combined with the team’s plan, led to one of the rarest dismissals in cricket history.

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Ben Duckett's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England's Aggressive Batting

Ben Duckett’s Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England’s Aggressive Batting

By September 7, 2024 0

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett’s audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England’s aggressive batting philosophy.

Duckett’s blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England’s imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett’s ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent.

“Duckett never let them settle at all,” Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. “They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword.”

Hussain highlighted Duckett’s unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett’s willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers.

“His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%,” Hussain noted. “When everything is in the bowlers’ favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play – putting pressure back on the opposition.”

Hussain acknowledged that Duckett’s attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year’s Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play.

“With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year’s Ashes,” Hussain said. “But I can’t see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room.”

Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. “If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it,” Hussain added.

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Rohit Sharma's Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

By March 13, 2024 0

Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has praised India skipper Rohit Sharma for his exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test series against England. Hussain believes that Sharma’s calm and composed demeanor on the field belies his immense skill and brilliance as a batsman.

Sharma amassed 400 runs in the five-match series, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 64.21. Hussain noted that Sharma’s ability to adapt his captaincy style to suit the team’s needs was evident throughout the series.

“I think sometimes people confuse Rohit as a laidback cricketer who just lets the game drift,” Hussain said. “There is a lot of skill, thought, and brilliance about his batting. And I thought he had an excellent series as captain.”

Hussain cautioned against comparing Sharma’s captaincy style to that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. “Don’t confuse (Rohit with Virat’s captaincy) because he has come off the back of Virat Kohli. In your face, aggressive captain. In the huddle at Lord’s, saying let’s unleash hell on the England batting lineup. Rohit is not quite the same sort of person. He has that fire burning within.”

Despite England’s early 1-0 lead in the series, India fought back to win four consecutive matches and seal a 4-1 victory. Hussain attributed India’s success to their ability to capitalize on England’s mistakes and their resilience in the face of adversity.

“England had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win,” Hussain said. “India showed great character and determination to come back from behind and win the series.”

Hussain concluded by highlighting the importance of Sharma’s leadership in India’s triumph. “Rohit has been a calming influence on the team,” he said. “He has created a positive and supportive environment, which has allowed the players to perform to their full potential.”

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England's Bazball Approach Fails in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

England’s Bazball Approach Fails in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

By March 10, 2024 0

England’s Bazball Approach Falters in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has criticized the team’s over-reliance on the “Bazball” approach, following their 4-1 series defeat to India. Hussain believes that individual performances must take precedence over the aggressive style of play advocated by Test coach Brendon McCullum.

“We just get lost with this term Bazball,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports. “The team, the management does not like the term Bazball. They need to look at their own individual performances.”

Hussain pointed to the team’s frequent batting collapses as a major concern. “Look at the opposition. Like in anything in life, try and learn. Why did we collapse? Why Crawley keeps getting starts and keeps getting out? Ben Duckett, got a brilliant 150, gave a charge when the ball was too new.”

Skipper Ben Stokes also came under fire for his poor batting performance in the series. “Ben Stokes had a poor series with the bat. Maybe because he is playing only with the bat. Just look at your own game and improve,” said Hussain.

Hussain praised James Anderson for reaching 700 Test wickets and R Ashwin for crossing 100 Test matches and 500 wickets. “The reason they end up as greats of the game is because they are constantly looking at improving in the game. Trying to improve,” he said.

Despite winning the first Test, England lost the plot in subsequent matches, often squandering their advantage. “In the third Test, England were in a position to try and get close to India but didn’t and once you give them a lead then you are chasing the game. They had their chances in the fourth Test as well,” Hussain noted.

“The batting collapses will be the main issue from this tour. There have been so many occasions where they have got off to decent starts and the middle order has then collapsed.”

This is England’s first series loss under the McCullum-Stokes era. They last won a series in India in 2012. “It can happen in India but the pitches in this series have been brilliant so England can have no complaints about that. Plus, they won three tosses out of five,” Hussain said.

“They will look at those collapses and say, ‘what could we have done differently in those positions to make sure it doesn’t happen again?’ because it did happen again.”

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England Faces Redemption in Final Test After India’s “Bazball” Triumph

By March 8, 2024 0

India’s triumph over England in the ongoing Test series has cast a shadow over the much-hyped “Bazball” era, spearheaded by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. As the teams prepare for the final Test in Dharamsala, England faces the daunting task of salvaging a 2-3 series result.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concern over the team’s performance, despite the entertainment value provided by their aggressive approach. He emphasizes that results remain paramount, and England’s current position near the bottom of the World Test Championship table is a cause for worry.

Hussain believes that England’s win-loss ratio is the most crucial metric, and they must strive to improve it in Dharamsala. He acknowledges that the team has shown competitiveness throughout the series, but their inability to capitalize on opportunities has cost them dearly.

The gulf between India and England, according to Hussain, is significant. A 4-1 defeat would only widen this gap and reinforce the perception of England’s struggles in India. He urges the team to field their strongest XI in Dharamsala, regardless of future considerations, and to approach the match with the same intensity as if it were a series decider.

Hussain’s comments highlight the importance of results in cricket, even amidst the excitement generated by England’s attacking style. As the series concludes, England will be determined to prove that they can compete with the world’s best and that the “Bazball” era is not merely a flash in the pan.

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