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'England Are Still Favourites' - Nasser Hussain's Bold Remark Ahead of Day 5

image-lkqjopqrFormer England captain Nasser Hussain | Source: Twitter 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the hosts still have a slight edge over Australia to win the fifth and decisive Ashes Test at The Oval.After a day four hampered by rain, Australia managed to reach 135-0, with Usman Khawaja continuing his excellent form at 69 and David Warner standing strong at an unbeaten 58.

With 249 runs remaining for Australia to clinch a 3-1 series victory, Hussain predicts that the pitch conditions will tilt in favour of the Three Lions on the fifth and final day of the match, increasing their chances of a 2-2 series draw. 


Here’s what Hussain told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast: 

"My feeling is that England are still slight favourites, even after Australia's start. The pitch is spinning and a day-five Oval pitch does turn. Hopefully the rain has given Moeen Ali a bit more time to get better."

Hussain further added that Australia's predominantly left-handed batting lineup might be vulnerable to England's off-spinners.

"Australia have two left-handers in at the moment and then Alex Carey, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc. Off-spinners like left-handers. It is set up perfectly. The last day of a magnificent series and we still don't know if it is going to be 2-1, 2-2 or 3-1."


Stokes could have gone with Wood earlier: Hussain

Hussain also expressed concerns regarding the decision to hold back Mark Wood until the 33rd over, with Australia having already scored 99 runs without losing any wickets. 

The former captain believes that introducing Wood while the ball was still swinging might have energized the crowd and disrupted the Khawaja-Warner partnership.

"I think Stokes could have gone earlier with Wood. When the rain comes the reverse disappears. Also, just to lift the crowd. They were roused this morning with the Stuart Broad factor, but with the Khawaja-Warner partnership, the atmosphere dwindled. When Wood started warming up, you could sense the crowd's anticipation; this is what they’ve been waiting for." 

With victories in the first two matches, Australia has secured the Ashes urn, and their aim now is to seal the series 3-1 with a win in the final and fifth Test at the Oval.