Veteran England speedster James Anderson has claimed his seventh five-wicket haul at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the second Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against India. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings of the second Test as well.

However, Anderson was not supposed to play in the second Test following a reported injury to his thigh. However, scans showed no damage, making him available for the game as well. However, he admitted that he has a special connection with Lord’s, where he has taken 110 Test wickets which came at an average of 24.

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He told the Daily Mail: “I love it here. It does seem to bring the best out of me. I made my debut and took my first five-for here, and to get seven five-fors is incredible. There’s something that extra bit special about Lord’s. Hopefully it’s not the last time I’m on the honours board.”

However, James Anderson said that the conditions are ideal for batting heading into the third day. He asked his teammates to bat all day to go near to India’s first-innings total and even try and get a lead if possible also.

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“There wasn’t much swing today, so hopefully we can do our best to get as close to them as possible, if not past them. Cricket’s cruel sometimes. He’s worked incredibly hard in the past few years and done everything right, scoring a stack of runs. And he’s been unbelievable in the nets. I do feel for him, but he’s got another innings in this game and I’m sure he’ll get another chance later in the series to show what he can do,” James Anderson concluded.

Meanwhile, England will resume Day 3 at 119-3, with the in-form Joe Root unbeaten on 48 at the crease. Along with him, there is Jonny Bairstow (6*) at the other end as well.