End of Bazball? Nasser Hussain Says Pakistan Have Found the ‘Kryptonite’ to England’s Approach in Tests
Hussain highlighted the quality of Pakistan's spin bowlers and their adeptness at playing spin, which he believes has exposed weaknesses in England's game. He stated, "When the ball spins and grips, England don’t play spin or bowl spin as well as Pakistan."
England's recent Test series loss to Pakistan, former captain and commentator Nasser Hussain has raised concerns about the future of England cricket, suggesting that Pakistan has discovered the 'Kryptonite' to England's aggressive playing style known as "Bazball." After winning the first Test in Multan, England faced a remarkable turnaround as Pakistan showcased exceptional skill in both spin batting and bowling.
In his analysis on Sky Sports Cricket, Hussain commended Pakistan for their strategic adjustments, which came after a disheartening streak of six consecutive Test losses. "Congratulations to Pakistan for making that change," he said, noting the dissatisfaction among fans and selectors during their slump. "They found the Kryptonite to Bazball."
The disparity in England's batting performance was another point of concern for Hussain. He emphasized that while it’s normal for scores to decrease on turning pitches, the drastic drop in England's batting quality was alarming. "There should be a discrepancy because the pitches have been so different from the first Test to the second and third," he explained. However, he noted that the extent of the discrepancy in England’s batting was troubling. "It shouldn’t be so drastic that you play well on flat pitches and then struggle the moment it grips."
As a result of the 2-1 series defeat, England currently sits in sixth place on the World Test Championship table, holding a points percentage of 40.70% after 19 matches, with an equal number of wins and losses, alongside one draw.
Looking ahead, the England team is set to tour New Zealand for a three-match Test series scheduled for November and December. The matches will take place in Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, offering England an opportunity to regroup and adapt their approach following their recent struggles against Pakistan.
