Nasser Hussain pinpoints two major areas England must address after NZ struggles

Former England captain turned Sky Sports pundit Nasser Hussain has delivered his verdict on the first two days of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s

Despite enjoying a dream start when they skittled New Zealand for just 132, England are now second favourites to win the Test after a collapse of their own with the bat and a brilliant partnership from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell.

And former England skipper Nasser Hussain has identified two major issues England need to address if they are to enjoy consistent success under the new coach-captain combination of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

In his latest column for the Daily Mail , Hussain was critical of the way England crumbled on day one, stating that “when the ball does a bit, their batting line-up is found wanting”. He wrote: “The first two days of this Lord’s Test have shown this new England set-up two major areas they need to work on.

“The first was obvious on the first evening: when the ball does a bit, their batting line-up is found wanting. From 92 for two, they soon found themselves 100 for seven against excellent New Zealand bowling, and lost the chance to dictate terms on Friday morning.”

And Hussain also believes England need more “variety in their attack” in order to take wickets when the pitch gets flatter and the ball gets softer. Due to a variety of injury problems, eight seamers were unavailable for selection for this Test, meaning England had a seam attack of four right-arm, fast-medium bowlers.

Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson, drafted in to make his debut as a late concussion replacement for Jack Leach, also produced a mixed bag and Hussain believes England must give him “time to develop”.

He added: “The second became apparent as the pitch went flatter after lunch on day two, and the Dukes ball grew older and softer. As Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell bedded in, it was clear that England still need variety in their attack – either through extra pace or high-quality spin.

“That’s not to judge Matt Parkinson on a handful of overs on a flat second-day pitch at Lord’s. Even the great Shane Warne never picked up a five-wicket haul here.

“Parkinson needs time to develop, and it would help if England were clearer about the role they envisage for him, instead of taking him round the world and never giving him a game – until now. But it’s obvious that England have to work out a game-plan before they arrive in Pakistan this winter, where flat, slow pitches are a fact of life.”