James Anderson continues to defy expectations, proving to be like fine wine, improving with age. In the ongoing series against India, he has demonstrated his prowess by taking six wickets in two Tests. In the third match, he added to his tally by dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, making it seven. Anderson’s precision in line and length has been a consistent challenge for the Indian batters throughout the series.
Before England commenced their bowling innings, attention was drawn to a poster in Ranchi which humorously stated, ‘I will start to study when James Anderson retires’. In response, former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri quipped that Anderson is far from retiring and suggested the fan take a holiday instead.
You’ve got to wait, young man. You are not studying soon, go on a long holiday. It is not happening any time soon
– Shastri said on air.
Got to respect and admire the individual for his sheer longevity: Ravi Shastri
Anderson made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe, predating the births of his teammates Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was just one year old at the time, highlighting Anderson’s remarkable longevity in the game. Despite the challenges of being a seamer, the Lancashire-born cricketer has never shown signs of slowing down, maintaining his dominance in international cricket for 21 years.
Shastri acknowledged Anderson’s remarkable durability, emphasizing the need to respect and admire his longevity in the sport. “To be around for so long and maintain peak performance is superb,” Shastri remarked in the commentary box.
Despite losing an early wicket, India appeared to have a strong grip on the match. Youngsters Jaiswal and Shubman Gill forged a second-wicket partnership of 82 runs, providing the hosts with valuable momentum. Although Jaiswal went on to score a half-century, he didn’t receive significant support from the other end.
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