James Anderson Really Enjoys Bowling Against India; It Brings Out The Best In Him - Zaheer Khan On England Pacer's Success Against India

Former India seamer Zaheer Khan was effusive in praise for James Anderson, who bagged his Test career’s 31st five-wicket haul on Friday against India at Lord’s. It was his 7th five-fer at the storied venue and it helped England stop India from posting a big first innings total.

Also, once again James Anderson’s liking of the Indian team was highlighted. This was his 5th five-fer against India; of his 626 wickets, he has taken 127 against the Asian giants in 32 Tests. He has a brilliant record both home and away while bowling to the Indian batsmen over the years.

Zaheer Khan reckoned the veteran English pacer’s ability to shine versus strong opponents makes him perform very well against India.

“James Anderson knows England’s conditions inside out. But maybe India is his favourite team. His numbers seem to reflect that he really enjoys bowling against India and it brings out the best in him. Big bowlers raise their game against great opponents. It gives the bowler immense satisfaction when he does well against a very good side,” Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz.

Even at this age, James Anderson remains England’s bowling spearhead: Zaheer Khan

Anderson had recently turned 39, but he has aged like a fine wine. He is the leading Test wicket-taker amongst pacers, and third overall only behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. The Lancastrian is also England’s most-capped Test player, overtaking Alastair Cook earlier this year.

Zaheer Khan lauded the legendary English seamer for being England’s best bowler despite his age. He opined that if Anderson remains fit, he would take more wickets and win games for his country.

“No praise is high enough for Anderson. The kind of form he has displayed in the series so far, if he remains fit, there will be no question marks over his performance. There was some injury scare for Anderson ahead of this Test. But otherwise, there is no scope for any debate. If there is help in the wicket, Anderson becomes that much more dangerous. He can turn around the game at any time by claiming a couple of quick wickets. Even at this age, with the youngsters coming in, Anderson remains England’s bowling spearhead,” the 42-year-old former left-arm pacer stated.

India look slightly ahead in the game with England 119/3 at the end of Day 2, still trailing by 245 runs.

Also Read: Revealed: Why India And England Are Wearing Red Caps On Day 2 Of The Lord’s Test