In a scathing post-match analysis, former England captain Nasser Hussain didn’t hold back as he criticised India’s batting collapse in the Manchester Test, claiming that the visitors “handed Rishabh Pant’s hard-earned runs back to England.” Hussain was particularly frustrated by what he described as “reckless and impatient” cricket from India’s top order.
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“Rishabh Pant played one of the most brilliant counter-attacking innings under pressure,” said Hussain, referring to Pant’s gritty 86-run knock that had temporarily put India in the driver’s seat. “But it was all undone by poor shot selection and a complete lack of discipline by the rest of the batters. They gave it away.”
India, after ending Day 2 with a slight advantage thanks to Pant and Jadeja’s 100-plus partnership, stumbled dramatically on Day 3 morning, losing their last six wickets for just 36 runs. England, led by a fluent Joe Root and the returning Jonny Bairstow, then made the most of the opportunity to shift momentum.
“Teams touring England have to realise one thing: you don’t just attack your way out of trouble in these conditions. India played right into England’s hands. They gave the momentum back and, essentially, threw Pant’s innings in the bin,” Hussain said during his segment on Sky Sports.
The criticism comes at a crucial time, as India now trails in the five-match series with mounting pressure on the likes of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and even Virat Kohli, who hasn’t registered a century in the format for months.
Hussain also applauded England’s bowlers, especially Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson, for maintaining relentless pressure. “But make no mistake — this was more India’s undoing than England’s brilliance. When you’re in control, you don’t blink. India blinked,” he concluded.
With two Tests still to go, questions are now being asked about India’s tactical approach and whether they can hold their nerve in crunch moments. As Hussain sharply put it, “They need to respect the grind — because Test cricket won’t respect you back if you don’t.”
