‘Remarkable’ James Anderson has last laugh after altercation with India star Ravichandran Ashwin but England have another mountain to climb
James Anderson earned plaudits from cricket pundits and fans across the globe after a terrific performance against India in the second match of the five-Test series at Visakhapatnam.
The 41-year-old defied his age as England won the first session on day two, dismissing hosts India for 396, before the hosts quickly took control.
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The next two sessions were completely in India’s favour, bowling England out for 253, with Zak Crawley (76) and Ben Stokes (47) being the most significant contributors.
Jasprit Bumrah starred with an impactful bowling performance, returning with figures of 6/45, as India ended the day on 28/0, leading by 171 runs.
The tourists, who are 1-0 up after a monumental comeback in the first Test, have left themselves with another mountain to climb - but Anderson's performance was a real positive.
He bowled an eight over spell in the first session, which is a testament to his fitness, and a clash with Ashwin shows the veteran bowler has lost none of his competitive fire.
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In the second over of the day, Anderson was frustrated by Ashwin stretching his hands at the non-striker’s end.
At the end of the over he was seen talking to the umpire, possibly complaining about Ashwin standing too close to the stumps, while the Indian appeared to ask, 'Me?'
However, Anderson had the last laugh after he got Ashwin caught behind for 20, and gave the spinner a glare on his way to the pavilion.
He also picked up the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was dismissed after scoring 209. The seamer finished with 3/47 in 25 overs - a staggering bowling performance in these conditions.
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England legend Kevin Pietersen led the praise of Anderson on talkSPORT 2's commentary.
“Jimmy Anderson has been nothing short of remarkable," Pietersen said.
“He’s just a master, an absolute master of his trade."
One ball that bamboozled Kuldeep Yadav left Pietersen particularly gobsmacked.
The England icon said: “I tell you, that’s wasted on anybody. Who is one of the greatest left-handers of all time?
“Lara is not even getting close to that. When Hayden was in his imperious best of walking at fast bowlers and smoking them, he’s not getting anywhere near that. It’s moved that much, on a docile wicket."
Anderson does indeed deserve a lot of appreciation for his performances in the subcontinent in recent times.
Since the start of 2021, the veteran seamer has picked up 25 wickets in seven matches in Asia at an unbelievable average of 14.72 and an economy rate of 1.94.
The right-arm seamer has now taken 693 wickets in 184 Tests. He is 15 wickets away from the great leg spinner Shane Warne, who has the second-most wickets ever in the format.
Listen to every ball of the five-match Test series in India live on talkSPORT 2!
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