The next Bazball challenge is India, everyone knows India in India is one of the sternest challenges in Tests: Nasser Hussain
England's red-ball setup has been able to give a fresh outlook to Test cricket by playing the game in a way that is risky and intriguing at the same time.
England played gallantly in the recently-concluded Ashes as they managed to level the series 2-2 after losing the first two Tests. While they couldn't manage to reclaim the urn, the cricket fraternity lauded their character and ability to take the attack to the World Test Champions Australia, who have arguably the best bowling attack in the world at the moment.
Since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach and formed a partnership with captain Ben Stokes, England's playing style has been like a breath of fresh air to the purest format of the game. Their 'Bazball' ploy has deflated some of the best bowling attacks in the world. Teams like New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa have witnessed the methodical madness that Bazball brings with it.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain felt that the popular Bazball tactic is set for a fascinating challenge when Stokes' men travel to India to play in a five-match Test series in early 2024. The spin-friendly conditions in India will be a fresh challenge for the English batters as their aggressive batting style hasn't been tested on surfaces like the ones that might be on offer during the tour.
"It's the next test for Bazball. They said Bazball will work against one side, then they moved on to the next side. Then they moved on to New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan. The next challenge is India and everyone knows India in India is one of the sternest challenges in Test match cricket," Nasser said on The ICC Review.
"It's Bazball against spin. Bazball against Ravi Ashwin, (Ravindra) Jadeja, and Axar Patel and that is going to be fascinating," he added.
Nasser Hussain explains importance of James Anderson for upcoming India tour
Anderson's long-time friend and new-ball partner Stuart Broad retired after the fifth Ashes Test. Chris Woakes, who won the Player of the Series award for England for his all-round performance during the Ashes, has not been keen on playing Tests away from home. In case he doesn't change his mind, Nasser Hussain feels that the onus will be on Anderson to play a key role in India with all his experience.
"I think especially with (Stuart) Broad going, I would like that experience (in India). Chris Woakes has stated that he's not that keen anymore of playing away from home and his record's not great away from home," Nasser stated.
"We'll see, he (Woakes) might change his mind. There's been a lot of mind changes recently. But if you don't have Woakes and you don't have Broad, you will need that experience of someone like Jimmy Anderson."
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