Hussain's tactics in India were impressive

Source: Hindustan Times     Date: August 06, 2004

The news of Nasser Hussain resigning from the captaincy of England came as a surprise to the cricketing world. He was the leader of the team and I must say he was the person successful in turning this unit into a bunch of fighters. He took over the reins of captaincy from Michael Atherton and one could see a big improvement in the attitude of the boys.

 

I have seen Nasser very closely as a captain and had the opportunity of playing two Tests and a one-day series in India and England within a period of seven months. Although we won the series my teammates and I were convinced that here was a man who knew what he was doing.

 

His tactics in India were some of the best I have seen from any touring captain and England were probably only the only side who could put pressure on India at home. Nasser has the ability of understanding situations well and getting his bowlers to bowl to his plan.

 

Nasser unfortunately came in for a lot of criticism from former players but his players stood by him, which speaks volumes of the respect he commanded from them. I have also been surprised at times by comments from people who never get close to the dressing room and tend to write a lot about captains' and players' attitudes in the team. It is one area that amazes me and at the same time puts a question mark on the credibility of some of them.

 

To me, Nasser has done a wonderful job for his country, particularly in the sub-continent, and can hold his head high. The ovation he received while leaving Lord's spoke for the respect people have for him. Although I may not agree with the timing of his resignation, I can understand where he is coming from. Captaincy is a hard job and it takes a lot out of an individual.

 

Nasser has played a lot of Test matches for England and I am sure he will play some more. I wish him luck with his career and hope that he finishes with the game whenever he wants to.

 

He has also done a good turn to English cricket by letting Michael Vaughan lead in both forms of the game, as I feel two different captains never help unless you have a strong team like Australia, where the job of the captain is that much easier.