Key Takeaways
- Former England captain Nasser Hussain questions Saim Ayub’s place in Pakistan’s Test team.
- Ayub’s recent first-class experience is criticized, especially in the context of playing in England.
- Ayub made an immediate return to Test cricket after a stint in the Caribbean Premier League.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has raised concerns over Saim Ayub’s inclusion in Pakistan’s ongoing Test series against England, questioning the decision to bring Ayub into the team despite his limited recent first-class experience.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Hussain criticized the move, stating, “The truth is he shouldn’t be here. He came from the CPL and hasn’t played first-class cricket in some time.”
Hussain further elaborated, “I don’t know who thinks it’s the right thing to fly someone over from foreign conditions, and think they’ll be fine in these conditions against a Dukes ball and Ollie Robinson.”
Ayub made an immediate return to Test cricket after last featuring in the format against South Africa in 2025, playing for the Jamaica Kingsmen in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The left-handed batter was among seven players brought into the squad for the third Test in Birmingham after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made several changes following heavy defeats in the opening two matches.
However, Ayub’s return did not go as planned, as he was dismissed for a duck in both innings of the third Test at Edgbaston. He faced 10 balls before being trapped lbw by Ollie Robinson for zero in the first innings.
In the second innings, Robinson dismissed him with the first ball of Pakistan’s innings, giving Ayub a pair on his return to Test cricket.
The decision to include Ayub has been met with skepticism, with Hussain’s comments highlighting the challenges faced by the Pakistan opener in adapting to the conditions and the bowling attack of England.
The truth is he shouldn’t be here. He came from the CPL and hasn’t played first-class cricket in some time.
Nasser Hussain, Former England captain
I don’t know who thinks it’s the right thing to fly someone over from foreign conditions, and think they’ll be fine in these conditions against a Dukes ball and Ollie Robinson.
Nasser Hussain, Former England captain
