Pacer Anderson hints at ‘bouncy’ pitch at Bridge

Nottingham,

Just like India did at home earlier this year, the seasoned James Anderson says, England must play to their advantage in the five-match Test series against the fancied visitors, by preparing “good pitches” with pace and bounce.

“I don’t think India can have any complaints if we do leave a bit of grass on because what we came up against (them) on our tour of India last time, we certainly played into India’s hands. They used their home advantage to their benefit and I think a lot of teams around the world do it,” Anderson said during a con-call on Monday.

One of the game’s finest seamers with 617 Test wickets to his name, Anderson added, “So, if there is grass left on it, India have got a strong seam attack as well. I would be hoping for some good pitches, we want pace and carry in our pitches, certainly from seam attack’s selfish point of view, we want pace and bounce, because we know it’s going to swing, so nicks just carry.”

Anderson, who has played 162 Tests since his debut in 2003, said that the IPL generation of batters have a fearless approach and cited Rishabh Pant as an example. “It is something that I feel fortunate to have done and it has been a real experience, playing against different generations of batters. I think IPL generation of players, you can definitely see a difference and a more fearless approach, not scared of playing any shot in any format okay. Use Rishabh Pant as an example, reverse sweeping me in the last tour of India with a new ball and you never see Sourav Ganguly do that,” he said.

“So, it is something that is exciting to see, it is a different challenge as well for bowlers, when you get this sort of style of player who is not afraid to go over the top in Test cricket, or play extravagant shots. I think it is great for the viewer at home to watch,” he added.

The veteran seamer refused to single out any Indian batsman ahead of the series. “India have a very strong batting line up and as an opposition you don’t want to single out players,” he said.