"Silly To Write Him Off": Joe Root Backs James Anderson To Make Strong Comeback
Published - 13 Aug 2020, 01:07 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:33 AM
England captain Joe Root has backed James Anderson to make a strong comeback after his dismal performance in the first Test against Pakistan. Anderson picked up one wicket and gave away 97 runs in the first Manchester Test. There have been questions about his performance but Joe Root has kept the faith in him.
Root said that one should question Anderson’s ability at his own peril after all that he has done for the country. Anderson is the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests and is in the twilight zone of his career. The fast bowler had said that he is not looking at retirement at wants to perform for his side.
“To question Jimmy’s ability, his record… do that at your own peril,” Root told a news conference.
“There’s a reason he’s got so many wickets over such a long period — he’s a consistent performer. I don’t think it’ll be long until he’s back among the wickets big time.
“It’ll be very silly for us to write someone like Jimmy off. He’s still as dedicated as ever, working hard at his game and looking good in practice.”
Anderson had said that it is frustrating for him personally not to have performed well in the last Test. He had also said that it is the first time in 10 years that he got probably a bit emotional.
Anderson has been named in the 14-strong squad for the first match against Pakistan, starting today. He has picked up 590 wickets for England at an average of 26.97. He has an economy rate of 2.86.
