Nasser Hussain pleased to be back at birthplace Chennai

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain might have played for Queen and Country for the better part of his career. However, as has been the case of many an individual, Hussain has not forgotten his roots which do indeed have a lot to do with his cricketing life. Having been born in Chennai (then Madras).

In a few interviews previously, Hussain and his family have been portrayed as a perfect South India lad, playing cricket at the Chepauk Stadium on the morning of weekends. Speaking about the same, Nasser added that it was indeed an emotional time for him to be making his way back to the place of his birth.

“I’m very pleased to be back in the place of my birth. I think I was born in a hospital just over the other side of the stadium. Actually, I didn’t realize that. It was Ashwin who told me about that the other day when I saw him,” Hussain told Times of India (TOI) on Friday.

“It’s obviously been difficult to see the devastating damage from the cyclone over the last couple of days. But the community spirit from the people of Chennai, the way they have been trying to clear up the trees on the road has been absolutely magnificent,” said Hussain.

The 48-year old also went on to add that he did not really have the time but also promised to visit a few places in and around the Chennai area.

“I’m busy with work. I fly out the night after the game. I have not really planned to go out anywhere. It’s a shame that I have not got more time to go around and visit places in Chennai. But I will pop over to the MCC, sit down and remember when my dad used to be there having a drink in the bar and enjoying himself. I will say a hello to the few people there,” he added.

Akbar Ebrahim, one of Hussain’s closest family friends went on to speak a bit about Hussain’s father. “Hussain’s father worked in our manufacturing unit before he left for the UK. He was the works manager-cum-executive director of one our factories. We still share a very good relationship. I will probably meet him at the MCC,” Ebrahim told TOI.

Hussain further added, “My father played here. I came here during one English winter and played a bit of cricket on this ground. I was young, probably 18 and I wanted to get used to playing in spinning conditions.”