Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes set standard for England
'But overall not enough risk management in most of England's innings'
Monday 18 July 2016 11:59, UK
England's batsmen need to reassess their risk management in the wake of Pakistan's 75-run victory in the first Test at Lord's, says Nasser Hussain.
Set 283 to win, the home slipped to 47-3 when Joe Root was caught in the deep before James Vince edged to slip and Moeen Ali was bowled for a duck charging Yasir Shah.
Although Jonny Bairstow (48) and Chris Woakes (23) kept Pakistan at bay for more than 31 overs, the failure of the top order batsmen cost England dear.
"Bairstow comes out of this game with a lot of credit, I have to say, for the way he fought with Chris Woakes - he gave it absolutely everything," said Hussain. "He changed his technique against the leg-spinner in the second innings, which shows he's a quick learner.
"We've seen a lot of ability from Bairstow over the last few months, but we've seen a lot of character from him. It puts into perspective some of the shots that went on before that.
"I hope Moeen was watching Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes battle it out and questioning his shot selection and the way that he got out. Woakes, in particular, showed that there were no demons in Yasir Shah."
Speaking on Sky Sports, Hussain admitted he felt Moeen's dismissal had been particularly reckless.
"There is nothing wrong with running down the pitch to a spinner and getting out, he won't be the first batsman to ever do that. But if the shot is not on, you need some kind of release shot, a plan B," he said.
"Just to say 'I'm coming at you whatever', is so frustrating, because Moeen's better than that. Just two Test matches ago he got 150. He has a bit of a 'what will be, will be' attitude and I'd like him to be a bit tougher than that.
"He can still play with flair and fluency play in the way he did against Australia last year by being positive, but also play the situation and have a plan B.
"As Bairstow showed in the second innings, you can survive on this pitch. It's hard to get people out. Moeen's shot was one of a man who thought I need runs before they soon get me. To charge Yasir fourth ball was reckless.
"There wasn't enough risk management in most of England's innings - like Root's shot in the first innings.
"I have no problem with Root's dismissal in the second innings - if you don't play any shots, you don't score any runs. He was trying to keep it down, but the bat turned in his hand and it went up in the air.
"England need a number three that plays counter-attacking cricket; like a Ricky Ponting or a David Gower. They've had a few number threes recently that block it and bring the opposition back into the game."
Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports 2 from 10am this Friday.
