ENG vs IND | Nasser Hussain attributes England's success to calculated batting risks

England reached a historic landmark on Tuesday as they chased down their highest total in Test cricket history. The hosts chased down 378 runs in the fifth Test against India, ending the series on level terms, 2-2. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow continued their caravan of scoring runs for fun, as both batters registered unbeaten tons in the chase.

With a record chase against India, England became the first side to chase down four consecutive totals of 250 or more in red-ball cricket. Former English batter and skipper Nasser Hussain was left speechless, seeing the hosts’ new brand of attacking cricket. 

Contrary to what is being said in the media, Nasser Hussain believes England’s style of play is not really ‘Bazball.’ Instead, the former captain opined that Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow are just expressing themselves in the middle and playing their natural game. 

“This win over India was remarkable. To do it once is remarkable, to do it four times on the bounce is unbelievable, it really is. The form that Jonny Bairstow and Root are in – I can’t remember a pair of England cricketers being in such form for such a sustained period. I will be perfectly honest, it’s not really Bazball. The way they are playing is just what normal Root and Bairstow can do,” said Hussain.

“They are not being reckless,” Nasser Hussain on Root-Bairstow’s attacking intent

Nasser Hussain believes that Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow are making batting look easy by taking calculated risks. They are not foolish enough to concede their wickets by playing reckless shots. The retired English cricketer feels sympathy for the Indian bowlers, as Root and Bairstow are batting on a different level altogether. 

“They are not being reckless, not being stupid – have you seen either of them play a shot this summer where you think, ‘what have they done that for?’ Every time they have taken a risk, they have nailed it. They have been so smart, so sensible. You cannot bowl to those two at the moment. That’s how good they are,” Hussain added.

Jonny Bairstow has four Test centuries in his last six innings, including twin tons against India. Meanwhile, Joe Root registered his 11th Test ton since January 2021. Next up for the high-flying English side is a challenging home series against South Africa, which will take place after the conclusion of the limited-overs series against India.