NEW DELHI: Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the pressure is firmly on India to push for a win on Day 5 of the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Edgbaston. With rain delaying the start of play and India needing seven more wickets to level the series, all eyes are on whether Shubman Gill’s side can seal the deal.India had reduced England to 72/3 by stumps on Day 4 after setting a mammoth 608-run target, but the rain on the final day has complicated their task.“There is a lot of pressure on India. You must think a lot of England to set them 600,” Hussain said on Sky Sports’ broadcast.“If they get a draw, people will ask why they batted on so long, people will ask whether Gill trusts his attack. I think he does trust his attack but today will show whether they can get those seven wickets or not.”Hussain also highlighted that England, once they resume their innings post rain delay, must continue to play with intent.“I think the focus is on (picking) the seven wickets rather than the target but also on how England play. They have very rarely been in this situation and openly stated they don’t play for draws.”
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“I think they need positive intent and not to go into their shell. You don’t want them just blocking but you don’t want recklessness either. It’s about winning the series, not just a one-off Test.”Meanwhile, former England cricketer Mark Butcher suggested that if rain helps England secure a draw, it should be viewed as a moral victory for Ben Stokes’ team.“I don’t think it takes too much of a shift of attitude for England (to contemplate the draw). You could look upon escaping from this game as a win in itself.”
“England talk about being in the entertainment business — well, we can all remember entertaining draws, people on the edges of their seats with a wicket needed and three overs left, or whatever it might be. Are the fans going to be more entertained by you falling over in a heap or by you clinging on by your fingernails at the back end of the day?”“I think we know the answer to that. And I think it would be a massive feather in the cap of this team if they were able to do it. I also think that all the motivation England need was India not declaring until late last night. They are giving you a gilt-edged chance to escape from here without losing a match that they really and truly should have been buried in. Use that to your advantage,” he concluded.
