Ballance relieved to have Anderson cleared

England batsman Gary Ballance has expressed relief at having fast bowler James Anderson available for the fourth Test against India in Manchester, saying the bowling attack needs their leader.

England batsman Gary Ballance has expressed relief at having fast bowler James Anderson available for the fourth Test against India in Manchester, saying the bowling attack needs their leader.

Anderson was cleared of a level three ICC code of conduct charge late last week, after being at risk of a four match ban. He had been accused of shoving India all-rounder Ravi Jadeja during the first Test.

But Anderson played through the pressure in Southampton, taking a five-fer in the first innings and two wickets in the second, to help England level the series at one all. A day later he was cleared of the charges.

The Yorkshire batsman, who scored a ton in the match, told <i>Hawksbee and Jacobs</i>: "It's great to see Jimmy Anderson available for this game. He's such a good bowler.

"On the last day of the third Test he set up [victory]. He bowled a brilliant spell and is really doing well.

"Hopefully, he can take it into this game and lead the attack again."

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