England vs India 2018: Indian Batters Need to Tackle James Anderson: Glenn McGrath

Former Australian speedster Glenn McGrath believes that Indian batsman needs to tackle James Anderson successfully in England vs India 2018 series. Anderson is England’s most experienced fast bowler. Therefore, McGrath believes that the veteran English pacer is going to hold the key.

The former Australian pack leader said that it is going to be pivotal for India to play Anderson’s swing with guile. Anderson can breathe down the neck of the tourist’s batsmen. Therefore, India will have to come up with plans against England’s talismanic fast bowler.

“James Anderson is going to be a big player. It is how the Indian batsmen face his swing and bowling in English conditions. If they can get on top of Anderson, that is going to make a big difference for them. I think for them he is definitely going to be the key,” McGrath told reporters as quoted by PTI.

Glenn McGrath went on to add that India is always laden with a strong batting line-up. However, it would be interesting to note how the bowlers fare out in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah.

“It is going to be interesting. I think India started really well in England, obviously, it is in the ODIs and T20s. The batting line-up has always been their strength. Just heard about injuries to (Jasprit) Bumrah and Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar). So it will be interesting to see their bowling line-up, to see who comes in and takes the load”.

India was able to scalp all the 60 wickets on South African tour. Therefore, Glenn McGrath went on to add that they have been bowling well in the recent past.

“In recent times they have been bowling really well. Injuries do happen, it is going to make it a little tougher. But their strength is their batting,” he added.

Glenn McGrath who was known for his accurate line and length said that Indian spinners need to fire at all cylinders. Thus, they can savour success in upcoming England vs India 2018 series.

“Spinners have done well for India. Shane Warne loved bowling there. He always said if it seamed, it will turn. In English conditions, it does seam a bit and Warne has had success there. India is going to need their bowlers, their spinners firing if they have to win the series.”

Meanwhile, Glenn McGrath went on to add that India will feel the absence of their talisman fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Thus, their injuries are going to leave a big void in the team.

“Having two spinners in the line-up, if that is going to be the best bowling attack it is fine. I am interested to see who are bowlers that they have. (Umesh) Yadav, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, who’s your backup quicks going in. With Bhuvi and Bumrah out, it creates a bit of a hole. The first Test is going to be pretty important.”

India will know that they will have their work cut out against a quality seamer like James Anderson. Therefore, the visitors will need to pull up their socks against him.