Experienced English fast bowler James Anderson has engaged in intense battles with Indian batsman Virat Kohli throughout their careers, and there was anticipation for more clashes during England’s scheduled Test series in India this January.
Yet, Kohli opted out of the series due to personal reasons. While Anderson acknowledged the desire to face the world-class batsman, he playfully suggested that England fans might be relieved if Kohli didn’t make significant scores against their team.
James Anderson shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s non-participation in the Jio Cinema interview.
“I guess English fans will be thankful he’s not playing because he’s such a quality player. But from our point of view you want to test yourself, you want to come up against the best and he’s been someone who I’ve found really challenging to bowl at over the years and it’s a shame he’s not been playing.”
Virat Kohli has faced 710 deliveries from Anderson in Tests, accumulating 305 runs, but the seasoned pacer has managed to dismiss the former Indian captain seven times.
James Anderson discussing Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable performances
James Anderson praised Jasprit Bumrah’s standout performances in the series, particularly highlighting Bumrah’s remarkable nine-wicket haul in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, where he earned the Player of the Match award. Anderson commented on this, saying:
“You know that reverse swing can play a big part in India and he’s (Bumrah) a great exponent of it. That yorker we saw to Ollie Pope, he’s got that up his sleeve as well. It’s not a fluke that he’s got to number one in the world. He’s a world-class bowler and from our point of view we weren’t surprised that he put up a performance like that.”
Jasprit Bumrah was given a break in the fourth Test in Ranchi but is back in the Indian squad for the final match in Dharamshala. Given the favorable pace-friendly conditions, there’s anticipation for a display of top-notch fast bowling from both Bumrah and Anderson, the latter approaching 700 Test wickets.
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