London: Effusive in his praise for the very effective James Anderson, England skipper Joe Root said Sunday the veteran paceman is a ‘special commodity’, who is getting better with age.
The 36-year-old Anderson crossed the 100-wicket mark at Lord’s during England’s comprehensive victory over India. Anderson is also on the cusp of overtaking Glenn McGrath as the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket. With 553 wickets, he is 10 short of the Australian great.
“He’s a special, special commodity, isn’t he? He’s something that doesn’t come along very often and we’ve got to enjoy him while he’s around. There’s been chat about his longevity but at the minute he’s bowling better than he ever has before,” Root said about the man who had figures of nine for 43 in the game.
“Even though the conditions suited, you’ve still got to put the ball in the right area and ask the right questions of the batsmen. Throughout the whole game he did just that. His record suggests just that – 100 wickets here at Lord’s now. Time and again he puts in fantastic performances, he’s a massive part of this team,” the home skipper added.
Root also hailed his team’s bowling performance, which handed them a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Other than Anderson, Stuart Broad ran through the Indian middle order Sunday with 4-44. Chris Woakes, with 4-43 in 16 overs across two innings, was nearly unplayable as well.
“I don’t see any lack of fight, or lack of trying (from them). India are doing everything they can, but from my perspective, I’m so pleased we’re bowling as well as we are. That’s what’s been the difference. We’ve given them nothing,” pointed out Root.