IND vs ENG: Do You Want To Go In And Hit The Winning Run? - James Anderson Discloses Ben Stokes' Plan For Promoting Him Up The Order In IND vs ENG 5th Test
Published - 09 Jul 2022, 01:13 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:10 AM
England paceman James Anderson admitted that skipper Ben Stokes provided him with an opportunity to complete the run chase against India in the rescheduled fifth Test.
On July 7, the hosts noted their highest-ever run-chase score of 378 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, to tie the series 2-2.
With their unprecedented 269-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow also scored their hundreds. The pair was instructed by England to keep up their aggressive stance to complete the run chase before India received the new ball.
With seven wickets remaining on the last day and 119 runs needed, England anticipated an all-out assault from the Indian pacers. The Indian bowling unit was easily handled by Root and Bairstow despite the return of gloomy overcast cover. On Day 5, they completed the work in the first session.
Ben Stokes offered the opportunity to James Anderson:
Ben Stokes suggested putting Stuart Broad back up the list. The all-rounder gave James Anderson the chance, though, as the Yorkshire partnership was still going strong and close to the mark.
On the Tailenders podcast, the seasoned pacer James Anderson disclosed the batting order strategies discussed in the locker room:
“They decided to try and finish it before the new ball because one was about to come up. Therefore, if we fall a wicket, Broady will be put in so that he can try to knock every ball for six. Around 67 to 75 overs would be a good estimate.
“So as we progressed, Broady said, “Right, that is me done, someone else can go in next”; I believe around 20 runs were remaining.”
Stokes then approaches me and remarks, “You have never hit the winning runs. Do you fancy stepping in and scoring the winning runs if we only need four to win, for instance, and Ravindra Jadeja is bowling?”
“I just felt uncomfortable about it. It was a little too piss-take for me. So I said to myself, ‘I am not sure I am comfortable with that” James Anderson said.
On the final day, England completed the run chase without further casualties. Root and Bairstow aided the team to victory in 76.4 overs, denying India the opportunity to attack with the new ball.
