'The pitch will spin': Nasser Hussain talks about 'big turning point' of 5th Ashes Test

ENG vs AUS: The 5th Test of The Ashes 2023 saw England score 283 runs in 54.4 overs on the first day. Australia's return saw them reach 61/1 in 25 overs. Marnus Labuschagne made 2 (23), and Usman Khawaja hit 26 (75). James Anderson took 0/21 in 7 overs, while Stuart Broad of England claimed 0/13 in 8 overs. Australia is 222 runs behind at stumps on Day 1.

3 things you need to know 

• Australia has retained the series successfully in the Ashes 2023 after 4th Test at Manchester ended in a draw
• Australia leads the 2023 series by 2-1
• Moeen Ali faced a groin injury on Day 1 of the 5th Test

Also Read: WI vs IND 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma reveals reason behind giving time to youngsters in the middle

Former England captain makes a significant statement regarding Moeen Ali's injury

Former England captain Nasser Hussain voiced concern about Moeen Ali's groin injury on Day 1 of the Oval Test match, citing the potential influence on England's performance. Speaking on Sky Sports following the day's play, Hussain emphasised the importance of Moeen's ability to bowl in the Test, emphasising that his inability to do so might be a huge setback for the squad. 

Talking to the Sky Sports Nasser Hussain stated:

I thought Moeen's injury was a big turning point,

Looking forward, we think this pitch is going to spin, and he is their frontline spinner

Moeen, who recently returned to Test cricket after a brief hiatus in 2021, was injured after midday while running with Dominic Sibley. Despite receiving treatment and pain medication, the fact that he did not bowl during the final session of Day 1 has prompted doubts about his availability for the remainder of the match.

Also Read: 'Reminded me of those days': Rohit Sharma rolls back the clock after batting at No.7 vs WI

ENG vs AUS: Will Moeen Ali play on Day 2 of the 5th Ashes?

Shot of the day that 😉 pic.twitter.com/i7g2H8VNal

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2023

Moeen Ali's participation in the fifth Ashes Test on Day 2 is doubtful as England monitors his damaged right groin. He was unable to compete in the last session of Day 1 and struggled to run following the event. Moeen Ali's spin bowling is critical for England's chances of tying the series 2-2 on the Oval pitch, which is renowned for its spin.

Despite the fact that this could be Moeen's final Test for England and that his future is uncertain, he demonstrated his attacking approach by scoring 23 runs in nine balls despite his injury. There are concerns, though, that he is aware of the risk of not being able to bowl in the match.

If Moeen is unable to bowl, England's reliance on Joe Root as a spin option may rise, considering Ben Stokes is already unavailable due to knee difficulties. While England has four quick bowlers in their lineup, Moeen Ali's unavailability as a spinner may make it difficult for the hosts to earn a favorable result in the series final match.