'We didn't need Bazball': Doubts over England's entertaining approach rise after Australia win Edgbaston Test; ex-English captain voices displeasure

After England's loss against Australia in Edgbaston, ex-captain Nasser Hussain analysed the Three Lions' performance and came up with interesting statements.

SportsTak

• Wed • 21 Jun 2023

After England's loss against Australia in Edgbaston, ex-captain Nasser Hussain analysed the Three Lions' performance and came up with interesting statements. Stokes' side has now lost two of their last three Test matches having sustained a gut-wrenching one-run defeat against New Zealand earlier in the year. Hussain reckons that winning has to be the priority rather than wanting to play entertaining cricket.

"You can't hide behind that (wanting to entertain), and I can almost read Ricky Ponting's mind because he's a winner. England lost (the final Test) in New Zealand as well, if you remember. I know they've had Ireland in between, but now they've lost here and there are two games of cricket they could have won, should have won," Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports.

Australia neutralised 'Bazball' and handed England a two-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on June 20 (Tuesday). On a thrilling Day 5 that was packed with pulsating action, the Three Lions were in ascendancy to steal a close win before the Baggy Greens' skipper Pat Cummins batted out of his skin to take his team to the promised land. England captain Ben Stokes did all in his power to earn a positive result but it just wasn't to be for England.

Furthermore, the former England captain highlighted that the country has not lost a series against the Baggy Greens in their own backyard since 2001. Hussain added that the English teams that triumphed over Australia in the past didn't require 'Bazball' in order to secure a positive result. The cricketer-turned-commentator also lauded the Australian team that boasts some 'serious' players in their squad.

"Remember, we've beaten Australia in England since 2001 playing the old-fashioned way - we didn't need 'Bazball' to beat Australia," Hussain said.

"The only thing I'll say is they showed why they're World Test Champions and the No 1 side in the world. They've got some serious players and some seriously tough players as well," he added.