Like other cricket fans and experts, former England captain Nasser Hussain was also surprised by the exclusion of veteran fast bowler James Anderson from the playing eleven for the first Test against India in Hyderabad.

The 41-year-old Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 690 wickets in 183 matches. In this he also took five wicket hauls 32 times. Nevertheless, the visiting team came into this match with a three-dimensional spin attack and the only fast bowler was Mark Wood.

Nasir Hussain praised James Anderson fiercely

Speaking to Sky Sports after the end of the second day’s play, Hussain said that given his excellent record in the subcontinent over the last few years, Anderson should have played. They said that, Anderson’s skill has been excellent in the subcontinent over the last few years. Anderson is a very good player when he is in the team.

He is the greatest England bowler ever. I had said before the match, I would have played Anderson. I was a bit surprised by the balance of the team because along with Root, India have four spinners and one seamer. Anderson gives you control. It is not that you have to keep Anderson only in the playing XI, you could have kept Ollie Robinson also, there should have been only one more fast bowler in the team.

Anderson is one of the most successful bowlers in the Asian subcontinent, taking 82 wickets in 28 Test matches at an average of 26.78. This experienced player has also taken 34 wickets in his 13 Test matches in India. He played a key role in England’s 2012/13 series win.

The former cricketer said that England could have given a chance to Ollie Robinson during the first Test match against India. He said, “You are always a better player when you are out, Anderson was a very good player and when he is in, he is a very good player. He is the greatest England bowler ever.”