Nasser Hussain keen on seeing Nick Gubbins replace Keaton Jennings in English side

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has urged the national selectors to look out for alternatives at the top slot in the Test lineup. The current English opener, Keaton Jennings, has had a very ordinary run in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. Jennings had a dream debut last year against India where he had started off on a promising note. However, his recent form slump has seen him draw a lot of criticism.

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith had recently questioned his technique ahead of the fourth Test of the series. Now, as per the quotes in the Daily Mail, Nasser Hussain has also spoken on the similar lines. He feels that someone like Middlesex batsman Nick Gubbins must get a look on the national side. After the conclusion of the South Africa series, England’s only preparatory series for the Ashes would be a home series against West Indies. Hussain wants the selectors to pick the same team for Windies series and the Ashes.

“The selectors have to be very clear that the side they choose against West Indies will be the one they want for the first Ashes Test,” quoted Nasser Hussain.

“For that reason, I think they should drop Keaton Jennings. He needs to go back to county cricket and rediscover the rhythm of batting, which you can lose sometimes at Test level. Mark Stoneman has looked a decent player whenever I’ve seen him for Durham and Surrey, but I’ve also enjoyed what I’ve seen of Middlesex’s Nick Gubbins,” Hussain added.

On Nick Gubbins

Comparing Mark Stoneman and Nick Gubbins, Nasser Hussain surely has an inclination towards Gubbins. He feels that the Middlesex batter is very organized and composed. He conceded that albeit Gubbins has not been scoring the big runs, but he surely has the right technique of approaching the games. This might help him perform well at the highest level.

“He looks good off the back foot and plays the ball above his waist well. To me, he looks very organised. The selectors have to be smart: You’re looking to fill key positions at the Gabba, not take relatively easy runs off West Indies,” quipped the former English skipper.

“They have to make sure they’re talking to the right people to get all the information they need. Gubbins may not be scoring thousands of runs, but I like the way he’s been scoring them. Whoever the selectors go with, they have to be smart. It’s time for them to earn their corn,” Hussain conceded.