Veteran England pacer James Anderson said that there is no tension between the bowlers and the batsmen of England playing XI in the MCG Test. The England batters could not build on the good work of their bowlers after the end of the second day’s play. After bowling out England for 267 in their first innings, England are 31/4 in their second innings trailing by 51 runs. 

Joe Root’s men need to win this Test match to keep the series alive. However, it is looking increasingly difficult for them at the moment. Addressing the post-match presser after the day’s play James Anderson denied reports of rift between players.

We Are A Team Here: James Anderson

 “We knew that the last 12 overs would be tough with the new ball. Even so, to lose four wickets was really disappointing, but it’s dangerous as a bowler to talk about our batting. We’re a team here. All I can see from the batting group is how hard they are working to put things right. It can be difficult and I don’t want to get into a bowlers versus batters thing.”

James Anderson also spoke about the news regarding members of the non-playing group testing Covid positive. The RT PCR tests were undertaken and the results are expected by late Monday. 

However, Anderson gave positive news after the end of the day’s play to the reporters that the England players and staff are feeling fine.

“We’ve not been told anything about the future of the tour up to now but as long as the group in at the ground today are negative I can’t see why we can’t carry on. As far as I’m aware the whole playing group and the management at the ground today feel fine” he said to the reporters. 

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement that the plans for the remaining series remain the same despite the Covid scare. 

When asked about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, Hockley said that there are no plans to change the schedule.

‘That’s not part of our current planning,. There’s nothing to suggest otherwise. We’ll rely on the protocols. It’s a day-by-day proposition.’

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