The first test between India and England in Chennai begins on Friday and the England squad has a number of Lancashire based players looking to make an impact.
News broke this morning that training will begin on schedule as both sets of players completed the relevant COVID-19 protocols.
Jimmy Anderson is one of the four Lancashire men involved and he’ll be looking to continue his decent record against India.
In his test career, he’s only taken more wickets against Australia with 87. He’s taken 82 against his upcoming opponents.
Anderson was in fine form last time out with a record-breaking display out in Sri Lanka. It seems as though he’s only getting better with age. He took six wickets for just 40 runs in his 29 overs, becoming the oldest fast-bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Asia.
He’s showing no signs of slowing down, even at his age. Anderson has been taking advice from former sprinter and long jumper Carl Lewis to help improve his overall technique ahead of the upcoming test.
He’s as vital to the England setup as ever and will be a crucial part of the upcoming test in India
It’s widely expected that Jos Buttler will be rested after the first test with Ben Foakes stepping in before Jonny Bairstow returns for the third and fourth tests.
Buttler will also be looking to continue his decent run of form after hitting an unbeaten 46 against Sri Lanka. That 102 run partnership with Dom Sibley helped England see out a 2-0 victory.
The keeper praised Joe Root’s performance against the Sri Lankans as a “masterclass” ahead of the next test against India.
Both Matt Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood are amongst the reserves for England. The pair are yet to make their England test debut but are ready to step in should their services be required.
The first test will be played in an empty stadium but there are talks that fans will be allowed in for the second. It’ll be at 50% capacity but the England players will thrive on having spectators in the stadium.
It’s a step closer to the normality the World is desperately craving for.
Picture courtesy of Creative Commons
