Nasser Hussain believes that KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will play critical roles on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test if India is to lead the five-match series against England 2-1 on Monday, July 14.
India needs another 135 runs on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test, and they have six wickets in hand. On Day 4, Rahul stayed undefeated on 33 at Stumps, despite seeing four of his colleagues walk the lengthy distance back to the pavilion. The first batter scored a century in the first innings and should be full of confidence. Meanwhile, Pant scored a crucial half-century on Day 3 and understands how to chase runs in the fourth innings under duress.
“He’s been there before. He’s done it in Australia. He does not bottle it. Rishabh Pant will not be impacted by pressure. He thrives on it. The two at the crease, we’re assuming Pant will appear tomorrow: Mr. Cool KL Rahul, calm and calculated, who is scoring runs for enjoyment in this series and on this pitch. Mr. Chaos Rishabh Pant, but using that way that shows he knows exactly what he’s doing. That is the partnership England would want to end,” Hussain stated during Sky Sports coverage.
The former England captain stated that the Three Lions will need to make full use of the new ball and hammer the cracks.
He believes that gaining another 135 runs on Day 5 will be difficult for the visitors unless Rishabh Pant gets going.
“England have to use the newish ball and hit those cracks hard. These 135 runs are going to be hard work unless Pant starts going,” Hussain stated.
A large contingent of Indian fans is expected to flock to the Home of Cricket on Monday to cheer for KL Rahul and Co. Hussain feels that it will be important for England to keep their emotions in check when they have to contend with the away fans.
“It will be about coping with that atmosphere and controlling your emotions,” the cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned.
If England win, the Harry Brook shot is forgotten: Nasser Hussain
Hussain said that if England lose, Harry Brook trying to play a sweep shot and getting out to Akash Deep on Day 4 at a critical stage of the match will be the talking point. However, if India fall short, their decision to change the ball would be questioned, Hussain stated.
“I cannot tell you how important tomorrow is. If England win, the Harry Brook shot is forgotten. If they lose, it’s a talking point. If India lose, you question the ball change when it was doing everything. If they win, it’s all forgotten. So tomorrow is such a vital day leading into the last two Tests,” Hussain said.
