James Anderson arrives in Multan ahead of Day 2 of the first Test between England and Pakistan

England fast-bowling consultant James Anderson has arrived in Pakistan ahead of the second day's play during the ongoing first Test of the three-match series. James Anderson joined the England national cricket team late due to his participation in the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

The legendary pace bowler retired from international cricket after the Lord's Test against the West Indies this summer. He finished his career with a record-breaking 704 wickets in 188 Tests. The team's managing director Robert Key had requested James Anderson to be with the team despite retirement.

After retiring from international cricket, the veteran pacer assumed the role of a mentor for the remaining Tests of the summer. However, Anderson was not in Multan for the first Test match against Pakistan on Monday, October 7. The visiting team had a tough outing with the ball on the opening day.

James Anderson Joins England Test Team Ahead Of Second Day

James Anderson was absent at the start of the Test match due to his participation in the Dunhill Links Championship. James Anderson joined the team for warm-up drills after arriving late from Scotland.

James Anderson has arrived in Pakistan. He's here in Multan ahead of the second day's play and has had a good look at the pitch

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 8, 2024

England Took Just Four Wickets On Day 1 Of First Test Match

Gus Atkinson helped England secure an early wicket, but the team failed to put pressure on the opposition. Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique reached centuries for Pakistan after the early wicket. However, England managed to take three wickets in the last session to restrict Pakistan to 328-4 at stumps.

Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique formed a 253-run partnership for the second wicket. However, the two batters were dismissed in quick succession. Chris Woakes picked up the wicket of Babar Azam, who scored 30 runs off 71 balls. Atkinson finished with two wickets, while Jack Leach secured one.

Rehan Ahmed Would Have Been A Better Option - Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja shared his thoughts on whether Rehan Ahmed might have been a more effective option for England. Raja said that a wrist spinner would have been preferable to a left-arm or off-spinner. He added that England might consider bringing him in for the next match.

"I am thinking whether Rehan Ahmed would have been a better option for England. On such surfaces, a wrist spinner could have been a better option compared to a left-arm spinner and an off-spinner. So I was just wondering if England would change gear and have a look at him in the second or third Test match," Ramiz Raja said, as quoted by BCC Test Match Special.

Also read: Hardik Pandya's 'No-Look Shot' to Taskin Ahmed labeled filthy by England player