James Anderson Is The Best At His Art; Virat Kohli Was Unable To Avoid The Trap - Ian Chappell
Published - 31 Aug 2021, 12:56 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:52 AM
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell was effusive in praise for James Anderson‘s “unique” swing bowling ability, which he demonstrated once again in the Leeds Test against India taking three wickets upfront in the first innings, setting the tone for other pacers to bowl India out for 78.
Ian Chappell hailed the longevity of the legendary pacer, who is the leading wicket-taking seamer and only behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warner in the wickets column in Test cricket.
In his recent column for ESPNcricinfo, Ian Chappell wrote, “The collapse at Headingley was engineered by a master of his craft. James Anderson is the best at his art; his ability to control swing in both directions and disguise his intentions is masterly.
“The remorseless way he sets up batters with the skill of a seasoned copper makes him an unstoppable force on his day. Anderson’s longevity, and the fact that he achieves consistent movement without periodically losing one or other of his main deliveries, means he’s unique as a swing bowler.
Virat Kohli was unable to avoid such a deftly laid trap: Ian Chappell
With two wickets in this series of Virat Kohli – both times caught behind after nicking off the edge – Anderson has now dismissed the Delhi-born 7 times in Test cricket.
Ian Chappell reckons such is the mastery of the Lancashire seamer that even knowing that he will be challenged on the outside edge, Kohli couldn’t escape the trap.
“India’s top order may have been humiliated by a 39-year-old taunter, but it’s easier to accept when you succumb to a champion. The big wicket that really put the skids under India was that of their captain, Virat Kohli. This was the seventh time Anderson has dismissed Kohli in Test matches, and despite knowing how the ambush was planned, Kohli was unable to avoid such a deftly laid trap,” the former Australian skipper added.
“On my retirement, a number of cricket enthusiasts gleefully reproached me, ‘Gee you got out to John Snow a lot.’ My response was, ‘At least I was getting out to one of the best.’ Not that it’s any great consolation, but Kohli will have similar sentiments.”
With the series level at 1-1, the remaining two Tests promises excitement. The fourth rubber commences on September 2 at The Oval.
