India are a tough side, I think Virat Kohli has instilled that: Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain was all praises for the Indian cricket team for showing their character and putting up a great fight against Australia without the presence of their captain Virat Kohli and other key players. Hussain credited skipper Kohli for instilling the fighting spirit in the Indian team and making them capable of defeating any opposition anywhere in the world.

Speaking about the marquee four-match Test series scheduled between India and England from February 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Nasser Hussain said that after conquering the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by 2-1, India won’t get bullied at their home and is most likely to give England a run for their money.

“Any side that can go to Australia, go 1-0 down after being bowled out for 36, lose Kohli because he’s going home on paternity leave, lose your bowling attack and still come back and win after some of the stuff that went on off the field in Australia, they won’t be bullied. They (India) are a tough side. I think Kohli has instilled that. Make no mistake, at home, they are a formidable outfit,” Naseer told Sky Sports.

All I have to ask is turn up to Chennai with your best 13 to 15 players: Nasser Hussain

England has decided to rest Jonny Bairstow for the first two Tests against India while Jos Buttler will also travel back to England after the first Test as a part of the team’s player management policy by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

While Hussain appreciated England for giving proper rest to the players, he argued that the visiting nation should play with their best team against India in the whole series. The veteran reckoned that England shouldn’t worry about the other series and should concentrate on winning against India first.

“That’s a really good sign that they’re doing that, with harder tasks ahead. The Ashes, India home and away, New Zealand confirmed, but that is great momentum and confidence going into an iconic series which is India away,” he said.

“All I have to ask is turn up to Chennai with your best 13 to 15 players. I think England fans have earned the right for their best team to be there that first day. If it means (Stuart) Broad and (James) Anderson playing together because it’s a bit green, worry about the Ashes down the line,” Nasser Hussain concluded.