Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer hailed England legend James Anderson after the 39-year-old claimed yet another five-wicket haul to lead his team’s fightback against India on Day 2 at Lord’s. Zaheer Khan opined that James Anderson loves playing against India, which is why he has an excellent record against them.
James Anderson claimed 5 for 62 in 29 overs as India crumbled from 276 for 3 to 364 all-out. The veteran pacer claimed his 31st five-for, making him the oldest bowler in 70 years to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match innings.
Zaheer Khan: James Anderson Really Enjoys Playing Against India
Four of his five-wicket hauls against India have come at Lord’s. Playing in his fifth Test against India at the venue, he averages 15.72, having claimed 33 wickets. Overall, James Anderson has featured in 32 Tests against India and has 127 scalps to his name at an average of 24.51.
Reflecting on yet another memorable performance from Anderson, Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz: “James Anderson knows England’s conditions inside out. But maybe India is his favourite team.
“His numbers seem to reflect that he really enjoys bowling against India and it brings out the best in him. Big bowlers raise their game against great opponents. It gives the bowler immense satisfaction when he does well against a very good side.”
James Anderson secured his seventh entry on the Lord’s honours board, with figures of 5 for 62 in 29 overs. Remarkably, four of those have come in his five consecutive appearances against India, dating back to his first home game against them in 2007.
Zaheer Khan: No Praise Is High Enough For James Anderson
Praising James Anderson, Zaheer Khan added that, if he stays fit, the England legend will continue flourishing at the top level.
The former India pacer stated: “No praise is high enough for Anderson. The kind of form he has displayed in the series so far, if he remains fit, there will be no question marks over his performance. There was some injury scare for Anderson ahead of this Test. But otherwise, there is no scope for any debate.
“If there is help in the wicket, Anderson becomes that much more dangerous. He can turn around the game at any time by claiming a couple of quick wickets. Even at this age, with the youngsters coming in, Anderson remains England’s bowling spearhead.”
James Anderson dismissed Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 1 at Lord’s. He had Ajinkya Rahane caught behind with his first ball on Friday and added the scalps of tailenders Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to complete his five-for. James Anderson is featuring in his 19th Test against India in home conditions. So far, he has claimed 93 wickets at a stupendous average of 22.75 with five 5-wicket hauls.
Joe Root once again turned out to be the saviour for England at the end of Day 2 of the second Test at Lord’s. With England reeling at 23/2, the England skipper stood up for his side with the willow. The batting legend scored a splendid 48* off 75 deliveries, and kept the Indian bowlers at bay, as England ended Day 2 with their scorecard reading 119/3.
Earlier, Mohammed Siraj created panic in the England camp and rattled the England side by scalping two wickets off two balls in the 15th over of the innings. James Anderson has picked 626 scalps so far averaging 26.49 in 164 Test appearances. He has 9 scalps in the ongoing series averaging 14.22.