England‘s bowling consultant, James Anderson, joined the team on the second day of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan in Multan. The 42-year-old faced significant criticism for not being present during England’s pre-series preparations.
Anderson was participating in a professional golf tournament in Scotland from October 3 to 6, just before the Test began on October 7. The legendary fast bowler retired after the first Test of the home series against the West Indies in July and was quickly appointed as England’s bowling consultant.
Head coach Brendon McCullum recently defended Anderson against the criticism, as reported by India Today:
“He’ll be here on day two or whenever it is and I don’t have any concerns over it. It’s a combined decision amongst everyone. He’s on a bowling consultant as well, he’s not on a full-time contract and we’ll take what we can get when we can get it.”
”I think if he was at home with his family I’d question whether anyone would have any problems with it. But because he’s playing golf there’s some uncertainty around it.”
Criticism intensified after Pakistan dominated the England bowling attack on the first day of the Test. Winning a crucial toss, the hosts batted first and ended the day at 328/4, with centuries from captain Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique.
On the second day, Pakistan continued to exploit England’s struggles, reaching 520/8 after 140 overs in just over five sessions.
James Anderson played a crucial role in England’s 2022 tour, leading to a whitewash against Pakistan
James Anderson was a key component of England’s bowling lineup during their 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the 2022 tour.
The champion pacer featured in the first two Tests, taking eight wickets at an impressive average of 18.50 and an economy of 2.20. In the first Test in Rawalpindi, with the hosts chasing 343, Anderson delivered a brilliant spell of 4/36 in 12 overs, leading England to a 74-run victory.
He continued to excel in the second Test in Multan, claiming one wicket in the first innings and two in the second. These two matches marked Anderson’s only red-ball appearances for England in Pakistan during his two-decade Test career.
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