Former English skipper Nasser Hussain reveals what made Sourav Ganguly a great leader

Nasser Hussain has come forward and said that he has enjoyed playing against his former Indian counterpart Sourav Ganguly. Hussain and Ganguly had enjoyed a fierce on-field rivalry back in 2002. It had so happened that England had won all-important final match of six-match bilateral ODI series against India in early 2002 to level series. However, Ganguly & Co. returned favor in tri-series final later that year that was played at 'Mecca of Cricket' Lord's. 

'Enjoyed playing against Ganguly': Nasser Hussain 

Hussain during an interaction with Ian Bishop and Elma Smit as part of ICC podcast titled 'Cricket Inside Out' spoke about Natwest finals in 2002.

" Natwest final against India is my most favourite and least favourite game I have ever played in. It is one of great ODI games that we had in that generation. India had t made it to finals for a long time and it was looking that y would lose finals," Hussain said during podcast.

"I enjoyed playing against Ganguly. I have always said, Ganguly made Indian cricket tough, before Sourav y were just a nice bunch to play with, Sourav made m into a tough and determined side. When he took his shirt off in finals, it was trademark, Ganguly. I am a massive fan of him," he added.

Apart from historic Natwest series win, Men In Blue had also defeated Nasser Hussain led side in group matches of ICC Champions Trophy 2002 and 2003 World Cup that followed. 

When Kaif stunned England at Lord's

Even though Kaif is kwn for his athletic fielding, he is remembered for his famous match-winning kck in 2002 tri-series final against Nasser Hussain's England at iconic Lords' Cricket Ground. Kaif had scored an unbeaten 87 in that contest and was adjudged Man of Match for his stellar innings which helped India snatch victory from jaws of defeat. He added 121 runs with Yuvraj Singh (69) for sixth wicket when it seemed to be curtains down for Sourav Ganguly-led side at 146/5. duo n took matters into ir own hands and smashed English bowlers all around park to help India register a famous win at 'Mecca' of cricket.

What made this win even more special was that prior to this contest, Men In Blue were t regarded as good chasers and at same time, had also lost nearly 10 finals as well. However, what had really stood out in contest is that Hussain had sledged Kaif when he had come out to bat by calling him a 'Bus Driver' when India were in position to win that contest.

neless, rest as y say his history as UP cricketer made his bat do talking.