India vs England: Nasser Hussain recommends resting James Anderson and playing Stuart Broad in the second Test

James Anderson produced one of the best spells of fast-bowling on Indian soil in the first Test against India in Chennai. As the ball reversed in the fourth innings, the veteran was up to the task and ended with figures of 11-4-17-3. His spell was one of the key reasons why India failed to even bat two sessions on day five. 

Even after his heroic performance, former England captain Naseer Hussain has recommended that the 38-year-old pacer should be rested for the second Test. England in recent times has rotated their fast-bowlers in order to keep them fit for a busy season. For instance, Stuart Board had played the first Test against Sri Lanka while Anderson replaced him in the second.

Hussain was of the opinion that Broad can be as effective as Anderson on the Chennai pitch, which might not change a lot for the second Test. Hussain also pointed out that England would want to keep Anderson ready for the third Test, which will be a pink-ball Test. The cricketer turned commentator rightly mentioned that Anderson could be great with the ball under the lights. 

James Anderson under lights could be a real handful: Nasser Hussain 

“Anderson is 38, so Stuart Broad could come in for him as it is going to be a very similar pitch to the first Test and England might want to keep Anderson for the third Test. That is a day-night game in Ahmedabad and Anderson under lights could be a real handful. Broad is a pretty good replacement, I have to say,” Nasser Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports.

Hussain shed some voice on the criticism of Joe Root’s captaincy when he decided not to declare when the lead was over 400 runs. He echoed the reasoning which Root had given when he was asked about the same in the post-match press conference. Hussain also was of the opinion that the bowlers needed proper rest. 

“There is always a 45-minute gap between what pundits, spectators, people off the field think the captain should be doing and what actually happens. If you are not going to enforce the follow-on, then you want to rest your bowlers. Root wanted to make sure they were fresh to go again,” Hussain concluded.