IND vs ENG: We Might Be Seeing Virat Kohli vs James Anderson Battle For The Last Time - Zaheer Khan

Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan opined that cricket fans could probably witness the battle between Indian batter Virat Kohli and James Anderson for the last time in the England vs India fifth rescheduled Test in Birmingham this week.

Anderson and Kohli garner the attention of their fans for the intriguing battles between them over the years. Kohli endured a nightmare during India’s tour of England in 2014, where he amassed 134 in 10 innings at 13.40. England pacer James Anderson dismissed Kohli four times in the five-match Test series. Kohli scored 19 runs in 50 balls off Anderson’s bowling.

Virat Kohli vs James Anderson for the last time in Birmingham?

The Indian batter overcame the challenges in the 2018 tour and came back to England an altogether different batsman in 2018, and finished the five-match Test series as the top run-scorer with a 593-run tally with two centuries and three fifties. This time he didn’t allow the England pacer to dismiss him once despite getting on for a few close calls.

In India’s tour of England 2021, Anderson got Kohli’s wicket on the first ball of their meeting as the England talisman forced the then India skipper to nick behind to send him packing for a golden duck. Anderson got the better of him in the third Test at Headingley in Leeds.

The 39-year-old England pacer is at the peak of his illustrious red-ball career after playing close to two decades for the national team. Anderson is vulnerable to injuries, and consequently, he was rested for the third and final Test against New Zealand in Leeds.

James Anderson seems quite close to retirement: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer, who played 92 Tests for India, said Anderson might retire from international cricket when India and England play their next Test series and that would mean there won’t be any duels with Kohli further.

“The more you watch this battle, the more you enjoy it. But yes, I feel we might be seeing this battle for the last time. Anderson is not playing many matches these days and he seems quite close to retirement. There might be a big gap after this when it comes to the next India-England Test series in England,” Zaheer told Cricbuzz.

“It should be exciting without a doubt. During the previous series, we witnessed Anderson moving the ball rather impressively. He will pose problems for the batters for sure. Virat Kohli might also be troubled a bit. After all, it is never easy against Anderson and it will be a good challenge for Kohli,” Zaheer added. 

India are leading the five-match Test series 2-1 and can win their first Test series in England since 2007. The one-off Test between the two sides will begin on July 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: James Anderson Has A Psychological Advantage Over Virat Kohli – Rajkumar Sharma