Rohit (4)

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England fast bowler James Anderson has recently talked about India missing their appointed captain Rohit Sharma who has been ruled out of the fifth Test after being tested positive for COVID-19. While speaking to various reporters before the start of the day’s play, Anderson talked about how missing top players is always a disadvantage for any team.

James Anderson said, “It’s never good missing your best players and obviously, Rohit is world-class. The Burnley-born speedster has been included in the playing XI as he replaces Jamie Overturn. 

20 years of playing international cricket, I had never seen before: Anderson

James Anderson had missed the third Test against New Zealand because of a sore left ankle. But before the India Test, the 39-year-old praised the team’s mentality over that series against the Kiwis. "I have never been in a dressing-room before when we have chased 300 (299) on a pitch that is turning and everyone being so calm, believing we were going to chase them down," said James Anderson to ESPNCricinfo

"That for me, after 20 years of playing international cricket, I had never seen before. You always get a few jittery people but one to 11 and the staff included were just calm and believed. I think that belief can go such a long way, especially with the young players we have got. We're trying to develop their confidence and experience, I think that will do wonders for them."

I don't want to think of someone coming at me like that: Anderson

While addressing the third Test against New Zealand, James Anderson expressed how he felt sorry for the Kiwi bowling attack. He said, "'I think it's horrible," he said as a bowler. "I don't want to think of someone coming at me like that.” 

“I thought New Zealand bowled really well, to be honest, especially that spell when they got us 55 for 6, it was one of the best opening spells I've seen for a long time. But the confidence our batters have got at the moment - they're fearless and we saw the way they all played. They just want to progress the game, I guess," he continued.