Anyone who doubts James Anderson is not very sensible: Sam Curran
England all-rounder Sam Curran was all praises for veteran teammate James Anderson, who was back at his best yesterday, picking up 2/35 with an excellent display of seam and swing bowling, clocking an average speed of over 135 km/ph at the age of 38.
“I was pretty shocked with the stuff that was going on about him. He is a world-class bowler and anyone who doubts him I don’t think is very sensible,” said Curran. “He proved how world-class he is and I am sure he will go on and get a five-for and creep up to 600, which is really exciting for all of us.
“I am enjoying having him around and learning from him. He helped me through my spells and picking his brains is great for me.”
James Anderson was back to his best yesterday
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Curran, who was drafted to the XI in place of Jofra Archer, picked up the crucial wicket of Abid Ali, who top-scored for Pakistan yesterday, with a 111-ball 60. The left-arm quick said that he has found it tough being left out and not being able to leave the team’s bio-secure bubble to play county cricket for Surrey but insists his team-mates have kept his spirits up.
“Anytime you put on an England shirt or a Surrey shirt you try and do your best,” he said. “It is great to be back in the side and contributing again. It is very strange times and a tricky situation when you don’t play – you don’t get to play for your county when you are not selected. If you don’t get selected, you’re back to your hotel room. Things like that are very difficult.”
“It’s the new normal so we have to get on with it and keep training hard. I feel for the guys who aren’t playing. We have such a great squad and the boys are lifting the ones that aren’t playing and keeping them involved.”
Pakistan, having made a gritty start to the morning, having lost only 1 wicket for 78, then limped to 126/5 before rain wiped out any chance of further play taking place on day 1.
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Curran said of the conditions, “It was one of those days that felt really humid – the forecast all week is for thunderstorms around. The ball did more later on in the innings and with them being 78-1 and a couple of drops we did really well to finish where we did.”
“I think it was a good day for the bowlers in general. I thought we bowled really well as a group and everyone chipped in with wickets. We spoke about sticking together as a unit and luckily it came off.”