The legend of fast bowling returns to India, probably for one last time. James Anderson will be the most talked about England player over the next two months in the IND vs ENG Test series. At 41, he is an example for many young fast bowlers. And this time, Anderson is coming to India with a new tweak to overcome his lukewarm returns in the past tours.
2012-13 was the only series when James Anderson claimed 14 wickets, leading England to a series win in India. And that remains the last Test series India lost at home. Now, Anderson has changed his run-up speed to bamboozle India even on docile Indian pitches.
“One thing that was not right was my run-up speed. I can’t rely on that fast-twitch snap at the crease I’ve had over the years, so I’ve been working on my momentum to get speed that way. The ball is coming out really well,” James Anderson told inews.co.uk.
However, former Egland fats bowler Darren Gough has a warning for Anderson. He believes the tweak could be great or dangerous leading to another injury for the veteran pacer.
“He’s such an athlete. But changing your run up? It could be absolutely brilliant but like anything, when you change your dynamics, it could set off injuries. Let’s hope not because I think even at his age he can perform,” Darren Gough said.
James Anderson in India:
| Series | Inns | Wkts | Best | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2 | 6 | 4/40 | 13.16 | 31.1 |
| 2008/09 | 4 | 4 | 1/28 | 53.5 | 109.5 |
| 2012/13 | 7 | 12 | 4/81 | 30.25 | 63.3 |
| 2016/17 | 5 | 4 | 3/62 | 53.5 | 118.5 |
| 2020/21 | 4 | 8 | 3/17 | 15.87 | 49.3 |
| Overall | 22 | 34 | 4/40 | 29.32 | 66.2 |
Can James Anderson sign off on a high?
Even though Anderson has refused retirement rumours, at 41, not many expect him to continue until another England tour three years later. Hence, it is expected that he will aim to sign off on a high. In India, he has bagged 34 wickets at an average of 29.32 in 13 Tests.
James Anderson can sign off becoming the most successful overseas pacer in India as he is only nine scalps away from surpassing Courtney Walsh. Anderson already leads the charts with 139 scalps against India in Test home and away combined.
Most successful overseas pacers in India
| Player | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Courtney Walsh | 43 |
| Wesley Hall | 38 |
| John Lever | 37 |
| Andy Roberts | 37 |
| Malcolm Marshall | 36 |
| James Anderson | 34 |
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