'The Sort Of Bloke A Skipper Loves': Nasser Hussain Likens Indian Pacer To Darren Gough

News18

2 days ago

Hussain lauded India pacer Siraj's intent, aggression and his penchant for turning up when called upon to serve his side time and again throughout the series.
England require 324 runs to win the fifth and final Test of the series against India at the Oval with two days of the longest format of the game left to play in the fixture. With India trailing the series 1-2, it is imperative for the touring side to finish with a flurry i they are to level the series, and hence the role of the Indian bowling unit will be on full display towards the twilight of the match.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain lauded India pacer Mohammed Siraj's intent, aggression and turning up when called upon to serve his side time and again throughout the series.
'With Chris Woakes going down injured for England, Siraj is the only fast bowler who has lasted the course of the series and put in spell after spell," the 57-year-old began.
'He is the sort of bloke a captain absolutely loves. He lifts the team. I always talk about Darren Gough being that sort of person when I was England captain, and Siraj is that man for India," the former English international added.
Hussain also credited the visiting side's grit and determination during the course of the series in English territory as India look to claw their way back in the final hours of the campaign.
India surrendered the opening Test at Headingley before pegging the hosts back on level terms in the second game of the series with a historic win at Edgbaston. However, the hosts pulled ahead yet again in the third Test at Lord's before the sides played out a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
'I have been hugely impressed with the character and fight they have shown throughout this series," he said.
'Some people thought they might roll over after the way they lost at Headingley, but they have since shown what a tough side they are to beat," he added.
'They have won as many sessions as England, if not more. They have just been found wanting in some of the crucial moments," Hussain elucidated.
'It is especially impressive when you consider they lost legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli right before the series," Hussain said.
Siraj has led the Indian pace attack with Bumrah not always available throughout the series and the seamer has withstood the test of the grueling English campaign.
'I don't think about breaking down. I only think about the match. I love playing for the country and I want to give everything to the country. I keep my plans simple and try to give my everything, and results do follow," Siraj told Dinesh Karthik during an interview for Sky Sports.
'To be honest, I love responsibility, but I also miss Jassi bhai because he is a senior bowler and leads by example in terms of what lines and lengths to bowl to various batsmen. I like that," the 31-year-old said.
'When Jassi bhai isn't around, you get that confidence that you need to shoulder extra responsibility, and I enjoy that. I don't take extra pressure and try to keep things simple," the pacer concluded.
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