Former England skipper Nasser Hussain believes all-rounder Moeen Ali’s groin injury would have a significant impact on the game, as his bowling could be crucial for the team’s success in the ongoing fifth and final test of the high-octane Ashes series.
Moeen Ali suffered a groin injury during his batting innings and they didn’t take the field on the final session of the Day.
The 36-year-old took retirement back from test cricket to play the 5-match Ashes series in the absence of their team’s primary spinner Jack Leach, but could not make an impact for the team so far in the series, as the England veteran was blown hot and cold in the series so far.
Speaking on Sky Cricket, Nasser Hussain feels that Moeen Ali’s injury on Day 1, would be a turning point in the game and reckons that the pitch is going to have some spin going forward and also raised questions about England’s No.3 batter for the 2nd innings in the absence of England all-rounder.
“I thought Moeen’s injury was a big turning point, Looking forward, we think this pitch is going to spin, and he is their frontline spinner, Then batting the second time around, who is going to bat at No 3? They don’t want to move Brook so maybe Root or Stokes go up?” Nasser Hussain said.
Moeen Ali’s bowling will be crucial for the England team in the must-win final test against the mighty Australian batters, as they have got three left-handers in the batting lineup and the pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers on Day 1 and would further deteriorate going the next four days.
James Anderson Is Just Out Of Nick, Players Are Not Machines – Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain feels that England veteran James Anderson is out of form in the game and reckons that the players are not machines to be at their best in all time and recalled him being the World No. 1 in recent times. The 40-year-old’s place in the team came under the scanner in the ongoing series.
“It was highlighted today because Broad was swinging the ball and he wasn’t moving it. He is a great cricketer because he has overcome spells like this one. Can he do it again at the age of 41?” Nasser Hussain further added.
The England pacer could not make an impactful performance for his team, as he picked up only four wickets across four games for the team, as he could not swing and seam movement with the new ball. Anderson returned from a groin injury before the start of the series and is some way short of his best.