During the England-India Test series, starting August 4 in Nottingham, one of the big battles would be between seasoned pacer James Anderson and batting great Virat Kohli.
When India toured England in 2014, Anderson was all over Kohli as the latter could manage only 134 runs from 10 Test innings. However, the Indian skipper turned the table in the 2018 tour as he finished the Test series with 593 runs, including two centuries and three fifties.
On the eve of the first Test, however, Anderson said he doesn’t care whether he dismisses Kohli or not as long as someone else is managing to claim his wicket in the series.
"I'm definitely excited to play against him again. You always want to challenge yourself against the best in the world and he's certainly that. We know how big a player he is for them both as a batsman and as captain, he has a huge influence on that team. So we know he's a big wicket and to be honest I don't care if I get him out. As long as somebody gets him out that's the main thing. He's an important wicket," Anderson said during a virtual pre-match press conference.
"But I think challenging yourself against the best in the world is really exciting and their top six is riddled with talent. It's going to be a big challenge for us seam bowlers," he added.
James Anderson, 39, boasts a very impressive record at Trent Bridge – the venue for the opening Test. He has taken 64 wickets at an average of 19.62 with seven five-wicket hauls at the Bridge.
"I do like playing here. I feel at home here. It is such a friendly place to play. The stewards and staff are incredibly friendly. It's just somewhere I feel really comfortable," said Anderson.
"In years gone by, swing has played a big part here. It's a ground where you look up [at overhead conditions] not down at the pitch. If there's cloud cover or if it's humid, it's generally a good place to bowl. If there's a bit of grass on the wicket it will carry to the keeper and slips," he further remarked.
(With ANI inputs)
