Considered by many as the greatest fast bowler in Test cricket history, James Anderson praised Virat Kohli following his unexpected retirement from the format on May 12 (Monday). Kohli’s decision came as a surprise to many, especially with a major England tour on the horizon in June. Over his 14-year Test career, the 36-year-old amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, averaging 46.85. He also notched up 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, marking an extraordinary chapter in Indian cricket.
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Anderson enjoyed a good time against Kohli on the field, dismissing him seven times in 36 innings, the most alongside Nathan Lyon of Australia. However, he was no short of words while praising the Indian cricketer calling him one of the greatest Test batters to have ever played the game. He also called Rohit Sharma one of the great players. For the unversed, Rohit Sharma also called it quits from the format last week.
However, Anderson believes India have a great talent pool and even though Kohli’s shoes are the biggest to fill, he has cautioned England ahead of the five-match series. “Great players. There will be a new captain because Sharma has retired. Kohli, one of the greatest Test batters who’s ever been. There are big shoes to fill there, but they’ve got a huge amount of talent in their squad.
Anderson’s Take on IPL’s Impact on Test Cricket
“If I’m being honest, looking back at my career, that happened too much where, 18 months out from an Ashes, the management and even the players starting to look towards that and actually forgetting what’s in front of you. India is going to be such a tough challenge even at home. They are a strong side,” Anderson added.
“You just have to watch the IPL. They are bringing players into Test cricket from the IPL now who are just so attacking, aggressive, and fearless,” Anderson said while speaking to TalkSport. Rohit and Kohli’s retirements from Test has left a big hole in India’s line-up, but Anderson reckons Team India will pose a huge challenge at home to the English side.
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