Jame Anderson, Dale Steyn
James Anderson and Dale Steyn [Image Credits: Getty]

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann feels that England should field James Anderson in the playing XI on any day due to the impact he can have on the game. James Anderson is almost reaching his last part of a successful career but he never looked like so — and has been on the wickets column still. The 38-year-old has proved time and time that age is just a number with his excellent performances in the first Test.

Indeed, James Anderson produced a stellar spell in the first Test to pick up two important wickets of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over.

His excellent art of reverse swing bowling was fascinating to watch and most of the experts felt that Anderson should have played in the second Test. The pink ball Test will provide huge confidence for the England side with the series levelled at 1-1.

James Anderson, Test, Test Cricket
James Anderson is the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Test cricket. (Photo: SLC)

“Series Is Absolutely On A Knife-Edge” – Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann believes that the series is absolutely on a knife-edge and this would be the best chance for England to go ahead in the series again. He felt that Anderson is irrepressible and he should have continued for the second Test.

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He added that James Anderson is bowling better than before — and he shouldn’t be dropped at the end of his career for any reason unless he picks up an injury.

“I believe this series is absolutely on a knife-edge,” said Graeme Swann.

“It is a brilliant place for England to be, and they’ve got a great chance to go ahead once more.

“I’m full of optimism going into this game, mainly due to Jimmy coming back. He was irrepressible in the first match, and he just keeps defying the odds and gets better and better.

“I do wonder though, Jimmy is coming to the back end of his career and he is bowling better than ever before. What are we shielding him for?” questioned Graeme Swann.

Ajinkya Rahane, James Anderson
James Anderson. (Photo: BCCI)

“He Is The Kingpin Of The Attack” – Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann praised Anderson for staying fit and not getting fatigued during the Tests. He added that the England bowling should be surrounded by him and termed him as ” the kingpin” of the attack.

He noted that he wants to see Anderson’s name on the team sheet first even with England’s plans to rotate the veteran to keep him ready for the Ashes.

“Jimmy doesn’t get fatigued when he’s bowling like this. He is the kingpin of the attack. You build an attack around him. I can’t wait to see him go again.

“What his plan is for the Ashes later in the year I don’t know, but I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t have him first name on the team sheet, before Joe Root,” Graeme Swann stated.

graeme swann
Graeme Swann. [Photo: Getty Images]
Graeme Swann is set to replace Mark Butcher in the commentary team in Indi

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