Recently, there was a place for legendary pacer and England’s bowling consultant James Anderson during a net session plying his trade full tilt towards Harry Brook. At the age of 42, Anderson still cuts the same intensity on the field as he did in his long and illustrious international career. Although he never played competitive cricket again, the ‘Burnley Express’ left people inspired through determination as he proved that he had all the skills and energy which in the past he showed to be one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
England will look to get back to winning ways in the second Test against Pakistan from Tuesday, October 15 in Multan. The wily old campaigner knew that seam bowlers were unlikely to have much of an opportunity during the first Test on a flat track and took it upon himself to lead training by bowling in the nets.
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Even though in a mentoring role, he believes that hunger to stay involved in the game and find a way of helping England win. Within hours, a video of Anderson bowling during the session was trending on social media as the fans recalled his glorious career. How that experience will shape bowling plans for England getting ready for a Test likely to be played on a spin-friendly pitch will be interesting to know.
Jimmy Anderson bowling to Harry Brook in nets pic.twitter.com/FFw0LHXkKn
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) October 14, 2024
In the first Test, England outplayed Pakistan in a singular innings victory. There was one real winner on this day: Harry Brook, who scored 317 runs. He became the newest ‘Sultan of Multan’, making it his maiden hundred and coming close to Virender Sehwag’s record of 309 there before reeling in.
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Commenting on Brook’s innings, Anderson was lavish in his praise for the young batsman and described his technique: a combination of Joe Root’s solidity and Kevin Pietersen’s flair for playing shots differently. “It is not easy for bowlers to think ahead while bowling to Brook as his versatility doesn’t allow planning ahead.” On a likely spinner-friendly surface, it will be interesting to see how Brook has adapted to the conditions and how he continues the rich vein of form coming his way.
