Former England captain Nasser Hussain has commented on the consequences of words, specifically referring to England pacer Ollie Robinson’s sledging of Australia opener Usman Khawaja. As the second match of the Ashes 2023 series approaches, Hussain expressed his opinion on the matter.

During an interview with Sky Sports, Hussain acknowledged that he wouldn’t criticize someone for displaying emotions on the field. Robinson engaged in verbal exchanges with Khawaja after dismissing him for 141 runs during Australia’s first innings.

“I will never have a go at someone for showing emotion in the moment. We can sit here and say, ‘why is he doing that? Poor old Uzzy [Khawaja]’, but that’s the emotion,” Nasser Hussain stated.

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However, Hussain also emphasized that he personally disliked giving a batter a verbal send-off after taking a wicket. He believed that Robinson should not have reinforced his actions during the subsequent press conference. Robinson had remarked that if Khawaja couldn’t handle sledging in the Ashes, he couldn’t handle anything.

“There are two things to say: one, to give someone the send-off verbally when they’re out, I never really liked that. You’ve got them out, he’s got 141 against you, do you really need to give them the send-off? Then doubling down on it in a press conference – you [should] go in and say, ‘it was in the heat of the moment, I got carried away,” Nasser Hussain added.

Hussain also noted that Robinson could expect to face sledging when he goes out to bat, emphasizing that words have consequences. In the previous match, Australia clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over England at Edgbaston.

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While Hussain acknowledged the importance of England displaying resilience, he highlighted the potential repercussions of their actions. England will be seeking redemption after their loss in the first Test as they prepare to face Australia at Lord’s on June 28.