Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson feels that the rivalry between Virat Kohli and James Anderson is going to be the major highlight during the rescheduled fifth and final Test between England and India, starting on Friday (July 1) in Birmingham.
James Anderson, 39 has had the better of Virat Kohli when they have played in England in Tests, and with Kohli undergoing an extended lean patch with the bat, the veteran bowler will fancy his chances against the Indian batting legend.
Shane Watson said during a discussion on The ICC Review show: “Kohli vs Anderson, it’s always the highlight in the battle between England and India. Two of the titans of world cricket. Anderson had it over him right at the start of Virat’s Test career. But now, in recent times, he hasn’t been able to be as effective against Virat. But that’s always one of the great battles between England and India.”
However, Watson also mentioned that he is looking forward to another battle, that between R Ashwin and England captain Ben Stokes in the rescheduled final Test, and the Aussie feels the ace Indian spinner will definitely try to make the most of it to sink the hosts’ ship in the match.
On the battle between Ashwin and Stokes, the former cricketer said: “The battle that I am really looking forward to is Ashwin and Ben Stokes. Ashwin has had his measure a lot over his career. But now also there is more importance on Ben Stokes’ wicket, even more so than ever because he is the captain.”
He concluded, “In the Australian cricket team, it’s always like if we can work over the captain and try and make it a really not-so-good series for them, then the ship can start to sink a little bit. Ashwin is going to be the main man to try and make the most of that battle. He does match up incredibly well.”
