Former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed astonishment at the omission of seasoned fast bowler James Anderson from the starting XI. Hussain criticized England’s team selection for the first Test against India, asserting that they failed to assemble a well-balanced side. The opening Test between India and England is set to kick off at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. Notably, England disclosed their playing XI, featuring three specialist spin bowlers, on Wednesday.
Left-arm spinner Jack Leach is the lone experienced spinner in the bowling attack, which comprises Rehan Ahmed and debutant Tom Hartley. Despite England’s 1-3 defeat in their last Test tour of India in 2021, Leach managed to secure 18 wickets in four matches.
However, Leach’s last Test appearance was against Ireland in June of the previous year. Hartley, with 40 wickets in 20 first-class matches for Lancashire, is making his debut, while Rehan, who debuted against Pakistan last year, clinched seven wickets, including a memorable five-wicket haul (5/48).
In his pre-match remarks, Nasser Hussain proposed that England could have achieved a more optimal team balance by giving weight to experience. Hussain raised concerns about the choice to include four spinners, specifically pointing out Jack Leach’s limited match practice.
“Do you believe that the decision to go with four spinners might be influenced by a lack of experience? You have Leach, who hasn’t bowled since June or July. Then you have the two relatively inexperienced players in Hartley and Rehan Ahmed. Opting for a more balanced side could have been a better choice,” remarked Hussain.
Nasser Hussain stressed that incorporating James Anderson could have brought about a more well-rounded bowling attack. Hussain recognized that the decision to include three spinners in the starting XI was influenced by the expectation of a turning surface.
“By excluding Jimmy Anderson, one of our all-time cricket greats, we’re sidelining our finest bowler with a commendable record in the subcontinent. I advocate for a more well-rounded bowling attack. However, considering Rehan Ahmed’s second test match and Hartley’s debut, along with Leach’s extended absence from bowling, the team seems to believe that deploying three spinners is necessary, given the anticipated turning nature of the surface,” Hussain remarked.
James Anderson boasts an impressive record of 690 wickets in 183 Tests with an average of 26.42. The 41-year-old has performed well in India, securing 34 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 29.32. Notably, he played a pivotal role in England’s historic Test series victory over India in 2012, contributing 12 wickets. Former opener Alastair Cook led England to a 2-1 triumph in the 2012/13 series. However, England faced challenges in subsequent Test series in India, managing just one win in their last nine Tests. The team suffered a 0-4 defeat in 2016/17 and a 1-3 loss in 2020/21.
England’s lineup for the 1st Test against India includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, and Jack Leach.
