Former England captain Nasser Hussain reckons that England failed to play the percentages on Day 3 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. He also named the English batters as ‘happy hookers’ as they fell into the trap of Australia’s short-ball strategy as well. However, with the pitch offering nothing in the second session of Day two at Lord’s Test, Australian bowlers decided to use short-pitched deliveries and England lost three batters soon after as well. While Australia continued with a similar plan on Day 3, England lost their last six wickets for 47 runs as well.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain said: “The batting yesterday [Thursday] after tea, and then following it up today, they [England] just did not play the percentages. The damage was done yesterday,” he said. “England got into a really strong position when the sun was out but became happy hookers after tea when every ball had to go.”
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However, England started Day 3 at 278-4 and they had a chance to do well. However, they got out for 325 and saw Australia swell their lead to 221 by stumps as well.
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“Everyone talks about Bazball but the Bazball I have seen is playing the conditions, which they did in Pakistan and last summer,” Hussain said. “If you’ve got four fielders out on the hook, the percentages are not in your favour and if you keep hooking you’ll eventually give your wicket away – and that’s what they did,” he concluded.
