India's Test middle-order stalwart, Ajinkya Rahane, deemed facing England's James Anderson in UK across two tours as the toughest match-up of his career so far. 

Rahane, who has travelled to England in 2014 and 2018, and played crucial knocks at Lord's and Trent Bridge, venues where India has pulled off its last two wins on English shores, talked about how difficult it remains to tackle Anderson in those conditions. 

The right-arm swing bowler is England's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 584 scalps at 26.83, a record which only improves on home turf. 

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"James Anderson in England is really challenging. He knows the conditions well. He (Anderson) is the one," said Rahane during an Instagram live chat session organised by his employer 'Indian Oil' on Tuesday (April 21). 

Fitness remains a key focus for Rahane despite at home because of the COVID-19 forced lockdown, but the right-hand batsman is also ensuring he retains a strong mental outlook towards life when the negative thoughts could easily seep in. 

"(At) this point of time, it is important to be positive mentally. Mentally, I'm visualising my cricketing stuff, batting. As an international athlete, cricketer, it is important to be mentally fit," he said. 

The 31-year-old is making up for the time not spent with his family because of his cricketing commitments. 

"First of all, definitely this is a sad thing, which is happening. But, looking at the positive side, I'm getting time to spend with my daughter and family. My daughter is six-and-a-half months old, I'm lucky to be with her," said Rahane. 

(Inputs from PTI)