IND vs ENG: James Anderson Calls For Aggressive Approach With Bat

In an effort to get England back into the fifth test against India at Edgbaston, veteran seamer James Anderson urged the team’s batsmen to play aggressively. 

On day two of the test, the hosts were 84-5, 332 runs behind, and needed 133 runs to avoid a follow-on. Jonny Bairstow was batting on 12, along with captain Ben Stokes. 

Best Line Of Defence Will Be Attack: James Anderson

“The way we’ve got out of sticky situations is trying to put pressure back on the opposition,” Anderson told reporters on Saturday.  

“I’ve got a fair feeling our best line of defence tomorrow will be attack. Our batters are naturally aggressive.” 

“We’ve got to try to work our way back in and put some pressure back on them,” he added. “We’re up against it, but we’ve been in this position before this summer.” 

Stuart Broad Was A Little Unlucky: James Anderson

Anderson also defended fellow Englishman Stuart Broad, whose most costly over in a test match saw him dish out 35 runs in only eight deliveries. 

“Stuart’s an experienced player and I don’t think it will affect him,” Anderson said. “I thought he was a bit unlucky, with top edges flying everywhere. 

“On another day one of those top edges goes straight to hand. There was a chance down at fine leg. If that gets taken, then no-one talks about the over.” 

Visitors Take Day 2

With England still behind India by 332 runs, Jonny Bairstow and captain Ben Stokes were both at zero and twelve respectively in their innings. The fast bowling captain of the visitors, Jasprit Bumrah (3/35), led from the front in his primary task by removing three English wickets, while Mohammed Shami (1/33) and Mohammed Siraj (1/5) each grabbed one wicket.

This follows his world record-breaking devastation with the bat. Bumrah earlier eclipsed the great Brian Lara’s record by one run by thrashing the helpless Stuart Broad for 29 runs, setting a new global record for the most runs ever scored in single Test cricket over. With six more runs, the over produced 35 runs. 

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