What did Nasser Hussain say on England’s Ashes defeat and Alex Hartley’s comments?

Australia continues to set benchmarks in women’s cricket, having retained the Women’s Ashes with a commanding performance. With a fourth consecutive win in the multi-format series, Australia has taken an unassailable 8-0 lead. The series rolls on with the second T20I scheduled for Thursday, but England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes have already been dashed.

What did Nasser Hussain say on England's Ashes defeat and Alex Hartley's comments?
What did Nasser Hussain say on England’s Ashes defeat and Alex Hartley’s comments?

The dominance of Australia highlights their pedigree as a cricketing powerhouse. Their remarkable feat of remaining unbeaten in home ODI series for 38 years is a testament to their strength and consistency. Despite England’s best efforts, Heather Knight’s side finds itself struggling to match up against the mighty Aussies.

Reflecting on England’s current predicament, former England men’s captain Nasser Hussain empathized with the women’s team, citing his own experiences during Ashes losses.

“The reaction and what has happened reminds me very much of when we were playing out there,” Hussain remarked.

“I don’t think we were whitewashed – and this England women’s side haven’t been whitewashed, but they’ve lost their first four games. The Ashes have gone; I lost them in 12 days, Heather Knight in nine days – albeit different formats. It must be hugely disappointing.”

Australia’s clinical display underscores their status as one of the greatest cricketing nations in history. Hussain was quick to put things into perspective, acknowledging the brilliance of the Australian setup.

“Australia have shown their class. To put it in context, just how good Australia are as a cricketing nation, they haven’t lost an ODI series at home for 38 years! They’re one of the greatest sides there has ever been.”

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Hussain encouraged England to introspect on their progress under Heather Knight and head coach Jon Lewis, rather than focusing solely on Australia’s dominance.

“Instead of looking at the opposition, have a look at your own side. Are you improving under Knight and Jon Lewis? That’s the question that needs to be asked.”

England last won the Ashes 11 years ago, with Knight’s captaincy reign since 2016 yielding a memorable victory in the 2017 World Cup but no major trophies since. Jon Lewis, who took over as head coach in 2022, has emphasized a more aggressive style of play, but the results have yet to translate into trophies. This period also includes their shocking group exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE.

Fitness issues within the England camp have also been a point of contention. Former player Alex Hartley recently criticized certain players, claiming they were “letting their team down” with subpar fitness.

Hussain defended Hartley’s comments, emphasizing the role of media analysis in driving improvement.

“I thought what Alex Hartley said was pretty fair. It’s part of her job to call it as she sees it. And it’s part of you to react; I’ve been there, with three fingers held up to [Ian] Botham, [Bob] Willis and [Jonathan] Agnew.”

The Women’s Ashes commenced with the ODI leg, where Australia swept England 3-0. Victories by four wickets, 21 runs, and a massive 86-run margin highlighted their supremacy.

The T20I series began with Australia continuing their streak, winning the first match by 57 runs. The second T20I is set for Thursday, January 23, at 01:45 PM IST in Canberra, with the final T20I scheduled for Saturday, January 25, in Adelaide. The series will culminate with a one-off Test in Melbourne from January 30 to February 2, starting at 09:00 AM IST.

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England may aim for a draw in the series, as they did in the 2023 Women’s Ashes, but a turnaround against this formidable Australian side appears challenging. For now, Australia’s reign remains undisputed.

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