Putting 'Bazball' to bed? Nasser Hussain cautions India against preparing turning tracks

Ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain has cautioned India against preparing excessively spin-friendly pitches for their upcoming five-match Test series against England set to commence on January 25. He believes that such pitches could play to the advantage of England spinners as well.

In England’s spin arsenal, the inclusion of uncapped duo Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir has been announced, adding to the quartet of spinners featuring Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed.

India, in response, have named four spinners for the initial two Tests. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav make their return after missing the South Africa tour, joining forces with Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

“I think what India should do is ask for good pitches that spin a bit because I think their spinners and batters will then out-bat and out-spin ours,” said Hussain on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

“If they ask for pitches that spin a lot, then it becomes a bit of a lottery and brings England spinners into the game. The way Bazball goes about its business, they won’t die wondering.”

The most recent Test series victory for England in India dates back to the 2012-13 season, led by captain Alastair Cook. In that memorable 2-1 triumph, the spin duo of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar played pivotal roles.

Hussain also mentioned that Indian fans are eager to witness how their team tackles England’s Bazball strategy and puts it to rest.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Indian cricket and there’s been a lot of talk about Bazball,” said Hussain. “My sense in the World Cup was that a lot of Indian fans are waiting to see how to put Bazball to bed.”

England opener Ben Duckett acknowledged that he is mindful of the threat posed by India’s seam bowlers, recognizing their capability to inflict significant damage, similar to their spinners.

“People talk about how good India’s spin bowling is but at the top of the order against the seam attack, it’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are,” Duckett, who has been named in the 16-member touring squad, said.

“I’ve obviously just played against, in my eyes, the best seam attack in the world this summer. I think the preparation in Abu Dhabi will be focused around facing the new-ball spin.

“It’s going to be interesting, I don’t think I’ll get out blocking as many times as I did when I was last there.”

Having debuted in Test cricket against Bangladesh in 2016, Duckett has earned a reputation for his proficiency in employing various sweep shots, a characteristic that has defined the 29-year-old’s playing style.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket since then and maturity is a big one for me in those years,” Duckett said.

“The biggest thing this time around is that whatever India throw at me, it’s not going to be a shock. I’ve played on those kinds of pitches. I know full well what to expect when I get out there.”

Regarding India’s spin maestro Ashwin, Duckett remarked, “I wasn’t the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He’s so good everywhere.

“I’m sure he’s going to get me out again, he’s a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball.

“If those pitches are spinning, and with the way this team have played over the last 18 months, I know what my strengths are and I’m certainly not going to die wondering.”

(With PTI inputs)

For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes