ENG Vs IND, 2018: James Anderson Will Struggle if Conditions Doesn't Suit Him - Zaheer Khan

Team India skipper Virat Kohli in a statement said that personal runs for him don’t matter unless and until his team is ‘winning’. Hearing the same, English speedster James Anderson stated Kohli would be lying if he says that personal runs don’t matter for him. Many have taken a dig at Anderson for the comments. The latest to join the list is former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan.

So, we are just five days away from the start of the much-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India. The opening Test will commence on August 1st in Birmingham.

India has played some wonderful cricket in the longest format of the game and enters the series as favourites. They are currently standing on 125 points in the Test rankings table and will be hoping to win the series convincingly in the end.

Given their repertoire, India will surely begin as favourites for the series.

The home team hasn’t performed up to standards in the longest format of the game of late. They failed to win the home Test series against Pakistan. Hence, they are well aware that India will pose a much sterner test. They will need to play to their potential to harbour hopes of beating the visiting team.

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri said that the team won’t make any complaint regarding the pitch conditions.

Individual runs don’t matter as far as the team is winning said, Kohli

It was Zaheer, who was the pioneer of hiding the delivery and use the reverse swing to good effect. Anderson has picked up the mastery from Zaheer quite well.

The left-arm pacer Zaheer played a pivotal role when India won a Test series in England back in 2007. His extraordinary spell handed India the much-needed victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Zaheer Khan feels James Anderson will struggle if conditions don’t suit him

Meanwhile, Zaheer is of the opinion that Anderson will struggle to maintain his rhythm if the conditions don’t suit the seam bowlers. He also feels that the series would be pretty tough for both the teams. He feels that the hot summer in England might work in favour of India as they are used to it back in India.

“A five-Test series is never going to be easy for any team and that goes for England as well despite being the home team. It has been one of the hottest summers, so that should work in India’s favour,” Zaheer asserted.

“The conditions are going to be dry and we saw that during the T20 and ODI series where there was some assistance for the spinners. Over the years, we have seen in England that when the sun is out, the batsmen will have a field day. These kind of series calls for a lot of mental strength and the group has to stay together,” Zaheer said.

Speaking on Anderson’s comments that Virat is desperate to score runs, Zaheer said that it is the verbal duels ahead of a series which makes it a fascinating one.

“It is interesting and required too as it makes the game fascinating. I think Anderson is also at a stage in his career where he will need help from the pitches. So, if the wickets which are offered are helpful, you will see him continue to talk [laughs]. But if they are not helpful for seaming conditions, then you might see England debating whether he should play or not after two Tests,” he added during his chat with mid-day.

If India would be missing a left-arm seamer?

When asked whether India would be missing a quality left-arm seamer, Zaheer said that a left-arm pacer always lends a variety.

“A left-arm pacer always gives you that variety. Also, the angle created by them is usually difficult. The second important thing is the footmarks. Those are created by them usually comes in very handy for the off-spinners to exploit,” he added.

Mohammad Shami has had a tough few months.

When asked how important the series will be for the pacer Zaheer said, “He is a great talent. He has a natural instinct as a bowler, has a great seam position and his run-up is pretty smooth. So, he has got everything that you need as a bowler. I guess playing at the highest level and representing your country is the biggest motivation one can possibly have.”

Zaheer was also asked whether the Yo-Yo tests becoming mandatory will make India lose out on a few special talents. The former pacer said that it has no harm unless and until it is applied in the same way with each and every player.

“I feel it’s a great thing as long as the parameters are constant and applied to each and every individual, no matter what record you have. It is certainly going to help the team raise the bar when it comes to fitness,” he concluded.