Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali’s harm is large turning level in Oval Test, says Nasser Hussain

By India Today Sports Desk: Former England skipper Nasser Hussain believes about Moeen Ali’s groin harm, suffered on Day 1 of the Oval Test match might become a major concern for England. Speaking on Sky Sports after the top of day’s play, Hussain stated that in case Moeen can not bowl within the Test match, it might become a giant blow for England.

Moeen Ali, who had made a comeback to Test cricket after initially retiring in 2021, suffered a groin harm on the primary day of the Test match. The incident occurred whereas he was taking a single run with Brook shortly after lunch. Despite receiving therapy from England physio Steve Griffin and taking painkillers, the harm has raised considerations given the spinner didn’t come out to bowl within the last session of Day 1.

“I thought Moeen’s injury was a big turning point,” Hussain stated on Sky Sports.

“Looking forward, we think this pitch is going to spin, and he is their frontline spinner,” Hussain analysed.

The England all-rounder was enjoying the essential function of protecting Harry Brook within the English line-up. Brook, having discovered his type again at No. 5 has been one among England’s finest batters within the final two Test matches and confirmed his mettle as soon as once more at The Oval. Hussain identified on the similar requested who might come out to bat at No. 3 within the second innings.

Ashes 2023, ENG vs AUS fifth Test Day 1: Highlights

“Then batting second time around, who is going to bat at No 3? They don’t want to move Brook so maybe Root or Stokes go up?” Hussain posed the query.

After scoring 283 runs within the first innings, England got here out to bowl within the last session of the day. Australia batters patiently put up 61 runs from 25 overs for the lack of David Warner, Australia’s solely wicket on Day 1. Asked about Anderson’s 7-over wicket much less spell on Day 1, Hussain stated that the pacer of off form and it was not doable to bowl like machines all day lengthy.

“He is just out of nick. Players are not machines. You highlight it because he is 41 on Sunday but he was the No 1 bowler in the world four months ago. He is just having a poor summer,” Hussain stated.

“It was highlighted today because Broad was swinging the ball and he wasn’t moving it. He is a great cricketer because he has overcome spells like this one. Can he do it again at the age of 41?” the previous cricketer concluded.