Nasser Hussain has criticised Pakistan’s decision to bring Saim Ayub into the Test side directly from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Ayub was dismissed for a duck in both innings of the third Test against England at Edgbaston. Hussain said the batter “shouldn’t be here” because he had not played first-class cricket for 11 months. He compared the situation with Virender Sehwag, who also struggled after being brought into an England Test without enough preparation.Why Did Hussain Criticise Pakistan?Nasser Hussain’s criticism focused mainly on Pakistan’s selection process rather than placing all the blame on Saim Ayub. The former England captain questioned the decision to move a player from T20 cricket in the Caribbean directly into difficult Test conditions in England. Ayub’s two ducks against Ollie Robinson made the selection decision even more difficult to defend.Saim Ayub returned to Test cricket after an eight-month gap.He was brought into the squad from the Caribbean Premier League.Ayub had not played first-class cricket for around 11 months.Ollie Robinson dismissed him for a duck in both innings.Hussain compared his situation with Virender Sehwag’s experience in England.Pakistan's Risky Selection CallPakistan called Saim Ayub into the squad while he was playing franchise cricket in the Caribbean. He had to move quickly from T20 conditions to a Test match in Birmingham, where England’s bowlers were already dominating the series. The lack of recent red-ball cricket became a major talking point after his first-ball dismissal in the second innings.Hussain argued that Test cricket demands a different level of preparation, particularly for an opening batter facing the Dukes ball and England’s seam attack. He also questioned Pakistan’s wider selection approach, saying players need to feel that the team and management are equally committed to them.Sehwag Example Adds ContextHussain used Virender Sehwag as an example to explain why preparation matters. According to Hussain, Sehwag was also flown into England and struggled in similar circumstances, finishing with a pair. Hussain stressed that Sehwag was a far more experienced international batter, making the comparison especially relevant to his argument about Ayub.The comparison came as Pakistan continued to struggle in the England vs Pakistan series. England entered the third Test 2-0 ahead and strengthened their position at Edgbaston after taking a 320-run first-innings lead.Also Read: Rybakina Sets Up Sabalenka Final at US Open After Gauff VictoryEngland vs Pakistan Latest SituationEngland finished their first innings on 453 after Pakistan had been bowled out for 133. Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith and Ollie Robinson scored half-centuries, while Pakistan debutant Razaullah took four wickets. Pakistan then slipped to 52/2, with Ayub and Abdullah Shafique dismissed in Robinson’s opening over.Key HighlightsNasser Hussain questioned Pakistan’s decision to select Saim Ayub.Ayub scored ducks in both innings at Edgbaston.Ollie Robinson took both wickets in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings.Hussain cited Virender Sehwag’s past England experience as an example.England took a 320-run first-innings lead in the third Test.Pakistan entered the match 2-0 down in the three-Test series.ConclusionNasser Hussain’s comments have put renewed focus on Pakistan’s preparation and selection methods in Test cricket. Saim Ayub’s difficult return, after moving directly from the CPL, gave further weight to Hussain’s concerns. England remained firmly in control at Edgbaston after reducing Pakistan to 52/2 following their 320-run first-innings lead. The England vs Pakistan series therefore remains heavily tilted towards the hosts.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to share news information based on available reports.
