Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali’s injury is big turning point in Oval Test, says Nasser Hussain

By India Today Sports Desk: Former England skipper Nasser Hussain believes about Moeen Ali’s groin injury, suffered on Day 1 of the Oval Test match could turn out to be a significant concern for England. Speaking on Sky Sports after the end of day’s play, Hussain said that in case Moeen cannot bowl in the Test match, it could turn out to be a big blow for England.

Moeen Ali, who had made a comeback to Test cricket after initially retiring in 2021, suffered a groin injury on the first day of the Test match. The incident occurred while he was taking a single run with Brook shortly after lunch. Despite receiving treatment from England physio Steve Griffin and taking painkillers, the injury has raised concerns given the spinner did not come out to bowl in the final session of Day 1.

“I thought Moeen’s injury was a big turning point,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.

“Looking forward, we think this pitch is going to spin, and he is their frontline spinner,” Hussain analysed.

The England all-rounder was playing the crucial role of shielding Harry Brook in the English line-up. Brook, having found his form back at No. 5 has been one of England’s best batters in the last two Test matches and showed his mettle once again at The Oval. Hussain pointed out at the same asked who could come out to bat at No. 3 in the second innings.

Ashes 2023, ENG vs AUS 5th Test Day 1: Highlights

“Then batting second time around, who is going to bat at No 3? They don’t want to move Brook so maybe Root or Stokes go up?” Hussain posed the question.

After scoring 283 runs in the first innings, England came out to bowl in the final session of the day. Australia batters patiently put up 61 runs from 25 overs for the loss of David Warner, Australia’s only wicket on Day 1. Asked about Anderson’s 7-over wicket less spell on Day 1, Hussain said that the pacer of out of form and it was not possible to bowl like machines all day long.

“He is just out of nick. Players are not machines. You highlight it because he is 41 on Sunday but he was the No 1 bowler in the world four months ago. He is just having a poor summer,” Hussain said.

“It was highlighted today because Broad was swinging the ball and he wasn’t moving it. He is a great cricketer because he has overcome spells like this one. Can he do it again at the age of 41?” the former cricketer concluded.