Anderson digs deep into bag of tricks

England fast bowler James Anderson conceded that he tried everything he could to get something out of a tame GABBA pitch on day two of the first Test against Australia.
Often criticized for his performances away from home and in trying circumstances, Anderson led the attack to a position of dominance before Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh’s unbroken 89 run fifth wicket stand brought Australia back into the contest.
Speaking to reporters after day two in Brisbane Anderson said: “I have literally bowled every ball I could think off to get something out of the pitch. Each spell is different, you get a feel for what is going to work.”
Three miserly spells from Anderson produced just 26 runs for Australia and the swing bowler picked up the wicket of Peter Handscomb on review.
Paceman Jake Ball didn’t have the control of Anderson but he would pick up the prize wicket of David Warner to leave Australia in trouble.
Ball believes that Anderson is the best bowler in the world right now and is delighted to be turning out alongside him.
The Nottinghamshire seamer said of Anderson: “Yes, he showed why he’s No.1 in the world. Jimmy just does what Jimmy does.
“He’s been excellent to have in the team for me – talking to him in the nets and just having him out on the field. You really get a feel for his experience and what he’s trying to do when you’re out there and I think today he showed that even on a flat pitch he can make things happen.”
ALSO READ: An Ashes five-fer: Day 2, 1st Test, Brisbane
Anderson feels that England are still in the contest but knows that they face a tough old slog to unseat Smith and Marsh with Tim Paine and the bowlers to follow.
The veteran fast bowler added: “We would have liked a few more runs but it didn’t go our way on a very un-Gabba-like wicket. I thought we bowled pretty well and could have had more wickets on another day.
“Smith and Marsh have played really well. It will be case of being patient and bowling good balls, I am sure we can get a breakthrough eventually.”
Australia are on 165/4 overnight trailing England by 135 runs.
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.