Pakistan not a side to be written off from World Cup, says Nasser Hussain

Pakistan will be in the hunt for their second title in cricket World Cup this summer and former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the Men in Green are not to be written off in the mega tournament. Pakistan are currently ranked six in ODIs and have not had any major success since winning the Champions Trophy in England in 2017.

They were recently thumped by Australia 0-5 at home and will be taking on world No.1 side England in a limited-over series before the WC begins. Hussain, who had captained England in the 2003 edition of the WC and saw his team thrashing Pakistan in a match, called the Asian powerhouse a “mercurial” team and named some of the youngsters in the side as a catalyst for a strong tournament.

Nasser Hussain loves Pakistan’s cricket

“Many Pakistani fans will say they have followed their team for too long and had their hearts broken many times, but I love them, and I love their cricket,” the 51-year-old former cricketer who now works as a cricket analyst was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net.

“I love them because they are mercurial Pakistan and you wonder which Pakistan will turn up on the day. The fact is that you cannot write off Pakistan for this World Cup.”

Pakistan selectors came under questioning this time for ignoring experienced left-arm speedster Mohammad Amir because of his poor form. Many felt the player still has it in him to deliver on the big stage, especially in the bowler-friendly conditions in England. The side has picked young players like Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Afridi besides established batsmen like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman and Hussain said Pakistan always produce such players.

“And the moment they play it’s like, ‘Wow these lads have got something about them.’ This is what Pakistan do, they play them, they pick them, and they give them a chance. It doesn’t matter how old they are, it’s all about whether they are good enough,” he said. While he praised the bowlers for the ability to bowl fast, he also spoke highly about the Pakistani batters to deliver.

Pakistan will play England in a one-off T20I and a five-ODI series from May 5. In the World Cup, the two teams will lock horns at Trent Bridge on June 3.

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