Lancashire’s James Anderson bowled one of the great spells of bowling to steer England to a famous test match victory over India in Chennai.
Victory by 227 runs in Chennai gave England a 1-0 series lead in the four-test series.
The 38-year-old produced another incredible display of great skill and reverse swing bowling, on England’s march to victory on Day 5.
Two perfect reverse swing deliveries sent the stumps of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane cartwheeling in one of the great maiden overs bowled by an Englishman.
Anderson to Gill and Rahane was an over for the ages. One that can only be likened to Andrew Flintoff’s over to Ricky Ponting in the 2005 Ashes.
Supported by Somerset spin bowler Jack Leach in the second innings (4-74), England inflicted just a second home defeated on hosts India on eight years.
England Pull Off Famous Victory in India
Captain Joe Root set England on their way with an unbelievable 218 in the first innings, as England posted a mammoth 578.
India responded with 337, the ever-impressive Rishabh Pant top scored with a rapid 91 as he took a particular liking to Jack Leach’s left arm spin.
Joe Root top scored with 40 in England’s second innings, as they set India 420 to win.
Captain Root was widely criticised for not declaring earlier, as England’s batting began to eat into the overs they could bowl to India.
Jack Leach claimed the wicket of Rohit Sharma late on Day 4 set England on their way. However it was Anderson who came to the fore on Day 5.
James Anderson’s over for the ages rewarded the commitment of the early rising England supporters.
When Ben Stokes sent Virat Kohli’s bails flying, it was up to Leach who spun England to a famous 227 run victory in Chennai.
Jimmy Anderson: Is he England’s Greatest of all Time?
“He’s the GOAT of English cricket”
The words of England captain Joe Root in the post-match presentation illustrate just how good Anderson is. Like a fine wine, James Anderson seems to be getting better with age.
611 wickets in 158 Test matches. No seam bowler has taken as many test wickets as James Anderson. Questions have always been asked if Anderson can be successful in the Asian subcontinent.
The SG ball and dustbowl wickets are suppose to be unfavourable to Anderson’s style of bowling.
However, with 25 wickets in this test match and 6 in the second test match against Sri Lanka in January. 2021 has seen him put those questions to bed.
There is a high probability that Anderson will not feature in the Second test match – starting this Friday.
Stuart Broad is likely to replace him, as England rotate their two great bowlers. Keeping the pair fresh for the challenges that 2021 brings are a priority for the England coaches.
Lancashire’s Jos Buttler heading home
Lancashire teammate Jos Buttler will fly home this week to enjoy some time at home, with a hectic 2021 schedule. Buttler will take a small break from the game.
England are giving those who play in all format players a time away from the game.
England are seeking success with both the red ball and the white ball in 2021.
The wicket-keeper batsman will return to the game in the Indian Premier League in April before a full summer of cricket.
Buttler is integral to the T20 team that are eyeing success in the IT20 World Cup in the autumn.
Buttler will further be an important part of the England team that look to regain the Ashes down under in November.
(Featured image By NAPARAZZI – CC BY-SA 2.0)
