England’s Sam Curran on Thursday (August 13) expressed astonishment over the criticism veteran pacer James Anderson coped after enduring failure in the first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford.

Anderson, England’s most successful Test bowler with 592 scalps, returned with the match figures of 1-97 in England’s three-wicket victory in Manchester.

However, the 38-year-old bounced back brilliantly and looked to be England’s most threatening bowler on the first day of the second Test in Southampton. He used the overhead conditions perfectly and recorded the figures of 2-35 in 15 overs to restrict Pakistan to 126/5 at stumps on a rain-marred Day 1.

“He (Anderson) went really well today,” Curran told reporters after the close of play. “I was pretty shocked with all the stuff that was going on about him, he a world-class bowler and anybody who doubts him is not being sensible.

“He has proven how good he is and is now approaching 600 (Test) wickets. I’m sure he will get there.”

Curran claimed the key wicket of right-handed opener Abid Ali, who played wonderfully well for his 60.

According to Curran, the humid conditions made batting more difficult as the day went on.

“The ball probably did more later in the day. From them being 90 for two after a couple of drops, we did well to finish where we did. It was good bowling conditions and I thought we bowled really nicely.

“I was just trying to be patient. We spoke about sticking together as a unit and it paid off.”