England skipper Joe Root has hailed ‘GOAT’ James Anderson for his prolific performance in the third Test match against India at Leeds, Headingley.
Anderson bowled a fiery spell on the morning of the Test match as he scalped three big wickets of in-form KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli to put India on the backfoot.
Anderson as usual was right on the money in the channel as he bowled full and got the ball to swing away from the right-handers. India were reduced to 21-3 and they just couldn’t recover from that position.
Anderson returned with figures of 8-5-6-3 and didn’t even need to return for the second spell as he did the bulk of the damage.
The veteran fast bowler could only scalp a solitary wicket in the second innings but his opening spell on the first morning of the Test match was the stepping stone for England’s win as they the hosts cruised to victory by an innings and 76 runs.
Root heaped praise on his most experienced fast bowler as continues to deliver the goods for the team. Anderson also completed 400 Test wickets in the home conditions and Root added the veteran pacers sets an example for the other bowlers of the team.
Joe Root said in the post-match presentation, “It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly.
We know we are capable of performances like this, and we have the talent, that opening stand was fantastic too. We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards. Anderson churns out performances like that and that’s why he’s the GOAT of Test cricket. He’s very fit and sets an example for the other bowlers”.
On the other hand, Root also gave credit to Ollie Robinson who bagged a five-wicket haul in the second innings. Robinson took a total of seven wickets in the Test match and played a key role in England’s win.
The rookie fast bowler took the big wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings.
Root also praised Sam Curran, who scalped two wickets in the first innings and revealed that Buttler’s availability for the last two Test matches will be known in a few days.
Root added, “Robinson has been brilliant, and he’s asked good questions of their defence. He’s managed to move the ball throughout the innings, not just with the new ball. Sam is a talented player, and he may not be at his absolute best, but he will do special things for England.
He showed last time we played India that he could play wonderful knocks, take key wickets, so I’m not worried about him at all. He has a lot of character and he will get better sooner rather than later. Buttler’s availability will be known in the next few days (paternity leave). As this is my home ground, I’ve watched a lot of cricket here, so I thank them for all the great support”
