England vs India 2018: Moeen Ali Made Our Job Easier - James Anderson

English fast bowler, James Anderson was praying for something best to take place during the second innings of the fourth and penultimate Test match of the five-Test match series between England and India in Southampton. The pace spearhead Anderson eventually lavished praise on star bowler Moeen Ali.

Meanwhile, the visitors didn’t take much time to overhaul the tail in the morning session. England managed to add only 12 runs from their overnight score to post a target of 245 runs. Mohammed Shami dismissed Stuart Board while Sam Curran departed courtesy a run-out.

Opener KL Rahul was struggling to get going and thus departed after a seven-ball duck. He couldn’t have done much with the length delivery which subsequently kept low.

Besides, Anderson picks up his first wicket while getting Cheteshwar Pujara as LBW. He bagged two wickets by picking up the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan.

However, James Anderson was worried about India batsman Kohli as he is the highest run-getter in the tournament. Virat Kohli was creating pressure from the other side with Ajinkya Rahane.

However, both of them are giving their brilliant effort. Meanwhile, Kohli got struck by Ali in the middle while India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin contributed some vital 25 runs.

The tail-enders didn’t do much in the batting. However, Ali picked up four wickets in that innings.

James Anderson was not expecting the catch of Virat Kohli, and he was thinking of Ashwin who can bat in the middle order.

“I was praying for something to happen. Mo bowled so well. The pressure that he created was immense. Made our job easier. We were praying for half-chances, few LBWs to go our way. Great for me (when asked about the much-hyped Anderson vs Kohli battle). He’s (Kohli) their best player. If not, one of the best players in the world. We’ve put him down in the series a few times, but you got to give him credit. Wasn’t expecting it (that catch). If Ashwin can get a few away, nerves will start getting to us. So, need to convert those half-chances” Anderson added.

England won the fourth Test match by 60 runs to lead the five-match Test series by 3-1. The final Test will be held at Kennington Oval and will commence from September 7 and all eyes will be on Moeen Ali.