ENG vs IND 2025: 'These 135 runs are going to be hard work unless Rishabh Pant starts going' - Nasser Hussain
"England have to use the newish ball and hit those cracks hard," Nasser Hussain opined.
Nasser Hussain believes that KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will have to play important roles on Day 5 of the Lord's Test if India are to go 2-1 up in the five-match series against England on Monday, July 14.
India need another 135 runs on Day 5 of the Lord's Test and have six wickets in the bank. Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 at Stumps on Day 4, even as he saw four of his teammates making the long walk back to the pavilion. The opening batter scored a century in the first innings and should be high on confidence. Meanwhile, Pant also registered an important half-century on Day 3 and knows how to chase runs in the fourth innings under pressure.
"He has been there before. He has done it in Australia. He doesn't bottle it. Rishabh Pant-he won't be affected by pressure. He thrives on it. The two at the crease, we're presuming Pant will come out tomorrow - Mr. Cool KL Rahul, calm and calculated, who is getting runs for fun in this series and on this ground. Mr. Chaos Rishabh Pant, but with that method where you know he knows exactly what he's doing. That's the partnership England will want to break," Hussain said during Sky Sports' coverage.
The former England captain said that the Three Lions will have to make good use of the new ball and try to hit the cracks. He feels that the task of getting another 135 runs on Day 5 won't be easy for the tourists unless Pant gets going.
"England have to use the newish ball and hit those cracks hard. These 135 runs are going to be hard work unless Pant starts going," Hussain stated.
A large contingent of Indian fans is expected to flock to the Home of Cricket on Monday to cheer for KL Rahul and Co. Hussain feels that it will be important for England to keep their emotions in check when they have to contend with the away fans.
"It will be about coping with that atmosphere and controlling your emotions," the cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned.
If England win, the Harry Brook shot is forgotten: Hussain
Hussain said that if England lose, Harry Brook trying to play a sweep shot and getting out to Akash Deep on Day 4 at a critical stage of the match will be the talking point. However, if India fall short, their decision to change the ball would be questioned, Hussain stated.
KL Rahul is going to be the main man on Day 5: Anil Kumble
"I cannot tell you how important tomorrow is. If England win, the Harry Brook shot is forgotten. If they lose, it's a talking point. If India lose, you question the ball change when it was doing everything. If they win, it's all forgotten. So tomorrow is such a vital day leading into the last two Tests," Hussain said.
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