Anderson's Experience Will Be Required in India, Says Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that James Anderson will be required for the upcoming tour of India, despite his recent struggles in the Ashes.

Anderson, the highest wicket-taking quick in Test cricket, has a good record against India, with six of his 32 five-wicket hauls in Tests coming against them. His average in the Asian country (29.32) is decent in comparison to other places he has played in.

Hussain said that Anderson's experience will be valuable in sub-continental conditions, especially with Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali retiring from Test cricket.

"Jimmy's got a very good record against India... and you need a balanced attack. You need that experience for younger players to come in," Hussain said on The ICC Review on Thursday.

Hussain added that Anderson is still hungry to perform and is looking forward to the challenge of touring India.

"He's already thinking about going back in the nets and working hard at his game and that's a good sign for me that he's still got that hunger. He's, what, 10 wickets away from 700 (Test wickets), and that will keep him going for a while yet."

England will also be without Chris Woakes for the tour of India, as the all-rounder has stated that he is not keen on playing away from home. However, Hussain believes that England still have a strong bowling attack, even without Anderson, Broad, and Woakes.

"(Spinner) Jack Leach will (hopefully) be back and Rehan Ahmed is a very good second spinner, as we saw in Pakistan," Hussain said. "(Pacer) Josh Tongue has bowled really well. (Pacer) Ollie Robinson is a very skilful bowler. Unfortunately, someone like Olly Stone is injured and obviously Jofra Archer is injured.

"But I think there's enough there to do well in India. It will be a challenge, but I think it's a challenge that this England team can rise to."

The tour of India will be the next big test for England's new "Bazball" style of play, which has been characterized by an aggressive approach to batting and bowling. Hussain believes that the tour will be a good opportunity for England to test their mettle against one of the best teams in the world.

"India is the next big challenge for Bazball," Hussain said. "It's a different challenge, it's a different type of cricket, but I think it's a challenge that this England team can rise to."