England slated by Nasser Hussain for aggressive batting: "Make them get you out"

Hussain, during a commentary stint for Sky Sports, took exception to what he saw as unnecessary tactics from the hosts when they found themselves pinned down by Ireland's tidy bowling attack

Nasser Hussain has criticised England's aggressive batting tendencies after another disappointing day with the bat at Lord's.

Having reached 171 for 1 in their second innings against Ireland, with Jack Leach and Jason Roy both passing fifty, England's middle order evaporated for the second time in the Test.

They wilted to 248 for 8, before Sam Curran took the hosts' lead to 181 when the threat of lightning strikes forced the players from the field.

Hussain, during a commentary stint for Sky Sports, took exception to what he saw as unnecessary tactics from England when they found themselves pinned down by Ireland's tidy bowling attack.

"The problem with this England Test side is their answer under pressure always is 'let's take the attacking option'," the former England captain said.

"Who top scored today for England? Their nightwatchman, Jack Leach, by just staying at the crease and saying 'I will survive'. He got 92. The nightwatchman!

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"Why is it that every time they're under the cosh, it has to be the attacking option? What's wrong with a bit of 'over my dead body' option? 'You ain't getting me out today' option?

"Day two of the Test. Make them get you out, don't charge their bowler."

Joe Root's dismissal, caught in the slips off the bowling of Mark Adair for an uncomfortable 31, sparked Hussain's remarks.

He said: "I want to figure out the thought process of the England captain. It's an 82 miles-per-hour bowler. Why is he charging Adair?

"Tim Murtagh, fair enough. Vernon Philander last year, get down the pitch. You're up against it, why is Joe Root charging him?

"What is wrong with staying in your crease and playing him from your crease. If you look at the strike points, he is doing absolutely fine back in his crease. What is going on in his head that he thinks 'I'm going to charge him'?

"I'm just trying to think why. Yes, for Vernon Philander you don't want to be out lbw. Get down the pitch, put him off his length. Tim Murtagh, put him off his length. Adair? Why?"

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