Former England captain Nasser Hussain has questioned James Anderson's exclusion from the playing XI in the Hyderabad Test against India.
The decision to go with three spinners and only one seamer, Mark Wood, raised eyebrows as India find themselves firmly in the driver's seat after posting a 190-run lead in the first innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive play on day one and strong performances by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja on the second day have put Rohit & Sharma & Co. in control of the match.
What did Nasser Hussain say?
Hussain, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasized that Anderson's exceptional skills in the sub-continent could have provided England with much-needed control in the match.
"I said before the game, I would have played Anderson. I was a bit surprised at the balance of the side because with Root in India it is four spinners and one seamer," Hussain said.
"Anderson gives you control. It doesn't even have to be him, it can be (Ollie) Robinson, just another seamer."
Hussain acknowledged that England's decision might be influenced by Jack Leach's return after a lengthy layoff. Still, he underscored that Ben Stokes is missing out on a trump card after he left out England's greatest-ever bowler in the dressing room.
"Anderson's skills in the sub-continent has been exceptional in the last few years. Anderson is a quite a good player when he is in the side. He is England's greatest ever bowler."
"I understood why they have done it. You've got Jack Leach who hasn't bowled since May or June because of his stress fractures and then you have a debutant and someone playing in their second Test match."
"They may have been concerned about how much you can bowl Leach in that game. So, if you just go for the second spinner and they don't get it right, you are left in a tricky position."
What is James Anderson's record in India?
Anderson has 34 wickets in 22 innings in India at an average of 29.32.
| Span | Mat | Inns | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 5 | 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2021 | 13 | 22 | 375.4 | 102 | 997 | 34 | 4/40 | 6/79 | 29.32 | 2.65 | 66.2 | 0 | 0 |
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