India vs England 2021: James Anderson Defends England's Rotation Policy

England veteran bowler James Anderson has defended England’s rotation policy to benefit the team with the hectic schedule they have this year and to keep the players fit. England has been resting and rotating their all-format players like Johny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes to keep them fresh and get them the much-needed break from the bio bubble.

The Covid protocols have been threatening the mental aspect of the players and player rotation policy is a good solution in the present scenario.

Moeen Ali decided to depart to the UK after the first two tests in India while Johnny Bairstow and Mark Wood have returned to the Test squad after a break in the first two Tests. Jos Buttler returned home after the first Test and is most likely to return only for the limited-over series.

“Try And Look At The Bigger Picture” –  James Anderson

James Anderson responded to the critics of England’s rotation policy and urged them to look at the “bigger picture”. Anderson missed the second test despite bowling beautifully in the first test and a lot of fo experts weren’t happy with the decision to rest him. James Anderson was keen to shine in the third pink ball test which was the motto behind resting him.

“You have got to try and look at the bigger picture. The idea was if I missed that one, that would give me the best chance of being fit and firing for the pink-ball Test,” James Anderson was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

“I am feeling good and fresh and ready to go again if called upon. It’s frustrating to an extent but I can see the bigger picture with the amount of cricket that we have got,” he added.

“It’s Not A Case Of Shielding” – James Anderson

James Anderson opined that England’s rotation policy will definitely benefit them in the long run with 17 Test matches in the year. He also clarified that the rotation policy does not shield players and it makes sure the players don’t wear out totally and injury concerns start popping up in a crucial test.

“It’s the same for all bowlers, not just me. We’ve got 17 Test matches this year and the best way of getting your best players firing for as many of those as possible is to take little rests every now and then.”

“It’s not a case of shielding, it’s just a case of trying to make sure you’re not wearing someone out until they completely break in half,” said James Anderson.

James Anderson’s excellent spell in the first test and with the amount of experience he has will make him an automatic choice for the third pink-ball Test.