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'England Won't Die Wondering', Nasser Hussain Warns India Before Test Series

image-lrep66fcENG will play 5 Tests vs India [X.com]

Former English captain Nasser Hussain reckons that the Indian fans are eager to witness how their team combats England's much-discussed 'Bazball' strategy during the upcoming five-match series, set to commence on January 25.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England have experienced success with their innovative approach to Test cricket, known as 'Bazball.' However, this strategy faces its most challenging test in the five-match series scheduled from January to March 2024 in India.

The upcoming tour already promises intriguing storylines, featuring the display of Bazball in India, Ben Stokes making a comeback after knee surgery, and England traveling with uncapped spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir.

During England's previous tour of India in 2021, they struggled against extreme turn as Ashwin and Patel combined to take 60 wickets. 

Although they were the last team to defeat India in a Test series in 2012 under Alastair Cook's captaincy, overseas teams, including Joe Root's squads, have faced challenges competing against the home side in spin-friendly conditions.

Hussain shared his insights ahead of the much-anticipated series, expressing that Indian fans are keen to observe how Bazball performs in India.

"There's been a lot of talk about Indian cricket and there's been a lot of talk about Bazball. My sense in the World Cup was that a lot of Indian fans are waiting to see how to put Bazball to bed. I think what India should do is ask for good pitches that spin a bit because I think their spinners and batters will then out-bat and out-spin ours,"  said Nasser Hussain on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

He also cautioned India against preparing rank turners like the one in Pune against Australia in 2017, as it would play into the hands of English spinners.

"If they ask for pitches that spin a lot, then it becomes a bit of a lottery and brings England's spinners into the game. The way Bazball goes about its business, they won't die wondering,"  added Nasser.

The India-England Test series is set to kick off in just under two weeks, with the first Test scheduled for January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. This series will focus on how the English batters will overcome the spin challenge posed by the Indian team.