Can't remember India had openers that played short balls better than these two, says Nasser Hussain

After a heartbreaking washout on Day one, the World Test Championship final is underway at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Kane Williamson called the coin right and put India in to bat. While the conditions were favourable for fast bowling, Indian openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma showed great composure against the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson. The duo stitched a healthy partnership of 62 runs before departing in quick succession. Rohit (34) edged a delivery from Jamieson while Neil Wagner got the better of Gill (28).

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The Kiwi bowlers tried everything they had in their arsenal but the Indian openers stood firm. They left the good deliveries and pounced on anything loose. They were particularly good against the short ball. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain was left awestruck by their impressive display and said that he can’t remember India had openers that have played the short balls better than these two.’

"I was just about to tweet that the Indian openers are giving a masterclass on how to bat in England conditions but they both got out. They played beautifully," Hussain said during the post-lunch show on Star Sports.

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"Can't remember India have had openers that have played the short balls better than these two. So they can’t be bullied by the short-ball and technically very sound. With the England tour coming up after this, it was an important innings by Shubman Gill."

He further heaped praise on Shubman Gill and said that he looks ‘balanced and calm’ at the crease. He added that Indian batsmen might have picked up the brains of Virat Kohli, who tends to play the ball before it swings, the right thing to do in England.

“Balance and calm. You think he has been batting in England all his life. Openers gave a masterclass, they have obviously spoken to Virat as he made those changes in his two previous tours. India obviously have had a chat about getting to the ball before it swings.” He concluded.

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