Anderson issues pitch gripe

England

England fast bowler James Anderson is unimpressed by master India batsman Virat Kolhi whom he thinks benefited from a friendly home pitch that covered up his technical deficiencies.

Kohli has topped 600 runs in the series so far at an average of 128 but Anderson feels this is down to the pitches that the series has been played on.

The India skipper has struggled in England before and averages just 13.40 but has an impressive record in Australia where he averages 62 and South Africa where he averages 68.

Anderson doesn’t feel the India captain has grown into a more complete batsman since his last trip to England though.

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Speaking after play on day four Anderson said: “I’m not sure he’s changed.

“I just think any technical deficiencies he’s got aren’t in play out here. The wickets just take that out of the equation.

“We had success against him in England, but the pace of the pitches over here just take any flaws he has out of the equation. There’s not that pace in the wicket to get the nicks, like we did against him in England with a bit more movement. Pitches like this suit him down to the ground.

“When that’s not there, he’s very much suited to playing in these conditions. He’s a very good player of spin and if you’re not bang on the money and don’t take your chances, he’ll punish you. We tried to stay patient against him, but he just waits and waits and waits. He just played really well.”

 

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