Bazball is about smart cricket, not headless cricket: Nasser Hussain

NEW DELHI: Following England's setback in the third Test against India, former captain Nasser Hussain has stressed the need for the English team to reassess their approach and execute smarter cricket if they are to level the ongoing Test series.

"In India, where conditions can change almost overnight during the course of a Test, you can't just fall back on the old 'this is the way we play' mantra," Hussain emphasized, urging the team to adapt to the challenging conditions.

Hussain's comments come after England's 434-run defeat in the third Test, leaving them trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. The fourth Test, set to commence in Ranchi on Friday, presents a crucial opportunity for England to bounce back.



Highlighting the importance of converting starts into significant scores, Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail, "If you get in, you need to make it count."

He cited instances from previous Tests where individual brilliance made a significant impact, underscoring the need for consistency in performance.



"For Bairstow, the key is to get through those first 20-30 balls when it's turning," Hussain remarked, offering advice to struggling batsman Jonny Bairstow. He expressed confidence in Bairstow's ability to regain form and contribute meaningfully to the team's success.

Drawing parallels to England's resilience in the Ashes series, Hussain emphasized the importance of playing smart cricket. "Bazball is about smart cricket, not headless cricket," he stressed, urging the team to recognize when to attack and when to defend.

Addressing areas of improvement, Hussain highlighted slip catching and the consistency of spinners as crucial factors for England's success. He urged the team to tighten up in these areas and maintain focus on executing their plans effectively.

(With inputs from IANS)