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.”
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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.
