The Ashes 2013: Andrew Strauss Floors Nasser Hussain in Sky Sports Masterclass

The Sky Sports Masterclasses have been one of the highlights of this Ashes series so far, with coverage including guides to playing Shane Warne's spin and understanding Kevin Pietersen's mentality when he goes in to bat.

But in a feature about how to train to face the short ball, Nasser Hussain got more than he bargained for.

Fellow commentator and former England captain Andrew Strauss was feeding Hussain a series of short-pitched deliveries via a tennis racquet to help him with his footwork.

Hussain explained that the two key defensive options for a batsman are either to lean out of the way or, if the back is up to it, to duck underneath the ball.

But beyond all else, Hussain insisted, watching the ball is crucial.

And as if to prove the point, Hussain then watched a delivery from Strauss as it bounced up at him and lodged itself right in the tiniest of gaps between the grill of his helmet and the lid.

"

Classic clip on Ashes build up, Strauss serves tennis ball at Nasser Hussain in Ashes Zone, ball gets stuck in his grill, hilarious.

— david moss (@dm055y) August 22, 2013"

There was no shortage of laughter from Hussain's not-especially-sympathetic commentary box teammates, with Ian Ward and Michael Atherton enjoying Nass' scrape. 

Fortunately, though, it was only a tennis ball, rather than the full, 5.5 ounce cricket ball.

It was a worthwhile lesson for any youngsters watching, given the fearful bouncer from Stuart Broad that Shane Watson wore on day one of the Test.

"

Want to see Shane Watson being hit by a Stuart Broad bouncer on a loop? The people @FOX_CRICKET have the gif for you http://t.co/emA3A5hMcF

— B/R Cricket (@br_cricket) August 21, 2013"

And you can see more of the Sky Sports Masterclasses from this summer on their website.