Former England captain Nasser Hussain lauded India’s spirited performance in the fifth and final Test against England, declaring the 2-2 series result a fair reflection of the intense battle. Speaking to Sky Cricket, Hussain emphasized that a 3-1 series win for England would have been a “travesty” given the quality of cricket played by India.
“It would have been a travesty had England won the series 3-1. India deserved to make it 2-2 for the amount of good cricket they’ve played in this series,” Hussain remarked.
The dramatic finale saw Mohammed Siraj deliver a lion-hearted performance, taking the final wicket to seal a thrilling six-run victory for India. England, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand on the final day, looked poised to clinch the series. But Siraj’s relentless pace and aggression turned the tide, supported ably by Prasidh Krishna, ensuring a gripping win and leveling the series.
“The final scoreline was well and truly deserved by India, and it was very fitting for Siraj to get the final wicket,” added Hussain.
The series—hailed as one of the most competitive in recent memory—saw all five Tests go into the final day. Despite criticism over the early stoppage of play on Day 4 due to rain (voiced by Stuart Broad and Michael Vaughan), the final-day showdown delivered high drama in front of packed stadiums.
Hussain also used the occasion to highlight the importance of preserving Test cricket, especially by the “Big Three”—India, Australia, and England.
“Why do people knock this format? It’s just so wonderful,” Hussain said. “But I’m afraid other countries don’t have the luxuries that England, India, and Australia enjoy… If we let this go, we’re doing the game a disservice.”
