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Ashes 2023 | 'They were reacting before...': Nasser Hussain questions Australia's defensive approach

image-lizj8xffAustralian players lambasted by Nasser Hussain [AP Photos]

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has shared his views on the defensive tactics employed by Australia on the opening day of the highly awaited Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Friday. Hussain stated that Australia's decision to station a deep point fielder right from the outset was an implicit acknowledgment of England's proficiency in executing the renowned "Bazball" strategy against them.

Nasser Hussain critiques Australia's defensive approach on Day 1

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England continued with their aggressive brand of cricket as they posted a challenging total of 393/8 before making a bold declaration. Spearheaded by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 118, and the resurgent Jonny Bairstow, who bludgeoned 78 runs at a run-a-ball pace on his comeback, the hosts undoubtedly ended the day with the upper hand.

Reflecting upon the first day’s play in his column for Daily Mail, Hussain asserted that Australia, on the opening day of this Ashes clash, were the first to flinch. He highlighted that the deployment of a deep point fielder as early as the first over implied a concession on Australia's part. According to the English veteran, Australia's reaction occurred even before any substantial events transpired, and their decision to do so caught many observers by surprise.

“By posting a deep point as early as the first over it looked like they [Australia] were admitting ‘we know you can do that against us, and we are going to have to set the field accordingly.’ They were reacting before anything had happened in effect and it was a surprise in some ways to see Australia blink first,” wrote Hussain.

Undertaking a meticulous analysis of Australia's allegedly defensive field settings, Hussain further illuminated his argument, highlighting the rarity of stationing a fielder in the deep during the initial stages of an Ashes series.

“Whether it was simply a mark of respect for the way England have been playing or just a tactic by Australia to keep their opponents under pressure, to keep them under control in the hope that they’d do something silly, only they will know,” added the former England captain.

Additionally, the erstwhile cricketer raised questions about Australia's reluctance to tighten their field even when new batsmen arrived at the crease. 

Elaborating on this point, the 55-year-old elucidated that players such as Joe Root and Harry Brook capitalized on the wide gaps in the field, deftly manoeuvring the ball square on both sides of the wicket to accumulate singles. Hussain also drew attention to the disapproval of the legendary Shane Warne, who loathed such circumstances as a bowler.