Rishabh Pant Can Be Dangerous But We All Know What James Anderson Can Do With The New Ball; Says Moeen Ali   

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has trust in James Anderson to come up with an excellent show with the new ball in the ongoing India vs England 2nd Test match at Lord’s. Moeen Ali believes that the new ball will be crucial for both teams on Day 5. England skipper Joe Root wanted to pick a new ball during the final session on Day 5, however, complaints of bad lights by Indian skipper Virat Kohli forced umpires to shut the game a little early.

Being 181-6 on the scoreboard in 2^nd innings at stumps of Day 4, India leads by 154 runs. The Indian openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma lost their wickets cheaply for 5 and 21 runs respectively. Virat Kohli also became a victim of Sam Curran at the mere score of 20 runs.

Later, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara set a crucial partnership of 100 runs for the 4^th wicket. However, after Pujara lost his wicket to Mark Wood at the 45-run score, spinner Moeen Ali picked two quick wickets of Ajinkya Rahane (61) and Ravindra Jadeja (3) to put Indian under pressure once again.

We Also Know What James Anderson Can Do With The New Ball: Moeen Ali

Post Day 4 of the Lord’s Test, Moeen Ali told reporters that he has faith in James Anderson to excel against India with the new ball on the final day of the match.

“I think the new ball is crucial for both teams. They’ve got Pant, who is dangerous, and we know what he can do but we also know what Jimmy Anderson can do with the new ball.

“We need four wickets and they need to get some runs. I think they’re in a half-decent position and I think we’re in a good position. We’re going into a great day,” Moeen Ali said.

Moeen Ali also pointed out that his team is pleased that they did not face an 15 or 20 run-over while bowling spin against Rishabh Pant.

“We were pretty pleased to come off as well, a 15 or 20 run over from Pant could have been dangerous. It’s more of a tactical thing and I think both teams had the same tactics,” he further said.

Also Read: If India Sets A Target Near 200 Runs; Then It Won’t Be Easy For England, Feels Batting Coach Vikram Rathour

After losing Cheteshwar Pujara, India hoped that Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja will be able to put up some more runs on the scoreboard and defend their wickets till the end of the Day 4.

However, Moeen Ali turned the tides by dismissing both the batsmen in the last session. While Rahane got an edge at slips on Ali’s delivery, left-handed Jadeja was bowled out by the right-arm England spinner. Now, Rishabh Pant is the only Indian batsman left on the crease with the rest other pacers.