Hussain surprised by Ballance inclusion

Former England captain Nasser Hussain admits he was surprised by the inclusion of Gary Ballance ahead of the in-form Jos Buttler for the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's.

Although Buttler has been in exceptional form in the Twenty20 format of the game for both England and Lancashire of late, selectors opted to include Ballance in the 12-man squad for the opening Test beginning on Thursday.

Quick Single: Ballance included for Lord's Test

Ballance last played for England during the second Test against Australia at Lord’s last year and his form has been mixed for county side Yorkshire so far this year.

The 26-year-old is averaging just 33.64 in the four-day Championship in 2016, although his century against Middlesex earlier this month gave selectors a timely reminder of his ability.

"It's in no way a dreadful selection, but I would have gone differently," Hussain admitted in his column for Sky Sports.

"Buttler is too good a talent to have just carrying the drinks or out playing in county cricket.

"Buttler hasn't played a lot of red-ball cricket since he was left out of the Test team, and the selectors obviously wanted to go for someone who has. 

"Jos now needs to score a stack of runs for Lancashire, although it looks like he might be injured for a while.

"The selectors are showing a bit of continuity by picking Ballance. He was the reserve batsman in the squad in South Africa, plus he scored a very timely hundred for Yorkshire against a decent Middlesex bowling attack last week."

Hussain is concerned that Ballance may struggle against a Pakistan bowling attack that could boast as many as three left arm quicks.

Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz look certain to play, while fellow quick Rahat Ali could also feature should selectors choose to use a three pronged left arm pace attack on England.

"There is no hiding place in international cricket, and the last time we saw him (Ballance) he had a bit of a problem against left-armers, and against the very full and very short ball," Hussain said.

"He will need to have ironed out those issues, because one thing is for certain, Pakistan will go at him with the short stuff and the fuller delivery. 

"Plus, they have very good left-armers in their attack, particularly Mohammad Amir."

Hussain believes Amir will receive a hostile reception from the England crowd, but is backing the paceman to back it up with a good performance on the field.

"It will be very tough for Amir, he will get booed and have 'no-ball' shouted at him, but that comes with the mistake he made," Hussain added.

"He is a very fine cricketer, though - swings it late and at pace, and will get wickets in the series."