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Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has injected a dose of motivation into the English squad ahead of their crucial clash with India in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.
England’s daunting task against an invigorated India
England are set to confront an invigorated Indian cricket team on Sunday (October 29) in Lucknow after facing a series of setbacks in the tournament, losing four out of their five fixtures. On the flip side, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue have maintained an unblemished record, with nearly all of their players displaying exceptional form and consistency. This encounter poses a significant challenge for England, who will need to harness their full potential to stand a chance against the relentless Indian team.
Nasser Hussain’s rousing message to Jos Buttler’s England
In his inspirational address, Hussain implored England to defy the odds and disrupt India’s undefeated streak. The 55-year-old encouraged the Jos Buttler-led side to regain their self-assurance, reminding them of the remarkable feats they’ve accomplished in the past. Hussain’s message resonated with the idea that, in cricket, belief can be a game-changer, and the English players should approach their game against India with a mindset focused on victory.
“The players must take the responsibility for this. I’m not a great one for cliches like playing for the badge but that’s what England have got to do now. They have to go to Lucknow on Sunday and spoil India’s party. They must remind India and the world just how great cricketers they have been – and still are,” Hussain said to Sky Cricket.
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Shunning excuses: Lessons from The Hundred and T20 Blast
Hussain sent a clear message to the England players that they shouldn’t have sought excuses for their subpar performance by attributing it to events like The Hundred or T20 Blast. He advocated for them to take responsibility for their performances and make the necessary adjustments to thrive in the international cricket arena.
“I’ve heard people at home are doing that but this is not the fault of the Hundred or the Blast or the fact England’s best playesr do not play much 50-over cricket. They are just lame excuses,” the Chennai-born cricketer added.
“How much 50-over cricket do Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play? Or Heinrich Klaasen? Players around the world learn from T20 franchise cricket and ours learn from a domestic structure that helped make them the best white-ball side in the world,” Hussain concluded.
The tough road ahead: England’s world cup journey
Hussain’s motivational talk comes in the wake of England’s challenging journey in the ongoing tournament. The team’s recent loss to Sri Lanka in Bengaluru marked their third consecutive defeat in the 50-over mega event, significantly denting their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Positioned second to last in the points table with just two points, England faces an uphill battle. However, Hussain’s message resonates with the idea that the team still has a chance to turn the tide and achieve success, beginning with their impending match against India.
