"England’s greatest challenge will be away in India" - Nasser Hussain

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain believes England are yet to face their greatest challenge under Bazball. The OBE reckons the most significant test for the three lions in red ball cricket will be the forthcoming India tour. He also expects the 2023 Ashes series to go down the wire. 

England comprehensively won the opening test against the Kiwis at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The veteran pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad picked up four wickets apiece as England bowled the hosts out for 126 while defending 393. 

 Hussain sounded doubtful about England’s counter attacking approach working on Indian conditions in his column for the Daily Mail. The 54 year old said the Ashes series will depend on how Australia play with bat in hand, as they have been considerably weak away from home. 

“Given Australia have not won here since 2001, England’s greatest challenge will be away in India. The Ashes is going to be mouthwatering, and I think it will be close. People are talking about whether Bazball will work against their high-quality bowling attack. I think the Ashes will be won and lost on Australia’s batting line-up. They have been below par away from home, but if they can score runs in England, it will be pretty tight."

Although England were the last team to secure a Test Series win on Indian soil, they have won only a solitary game on their last two tours. The 2021 series concluded in a 3-1 win for India. 

Both England and India are playing some good all round cricket at the moment. While the Three Lions mauled the black caps in the opening test match of the tour, Indians have managed to ameliorate  their home record with a dominant show against the Aussies in the ongoing test series between the two nations.