Xtra Time Web Desk: Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson reckon there won’t be much grass left on the wicket for the Pink Ball test against India at Sardar Patel stadium starting February 24.
“The pitch has got grass on it but I am pretty much sure it is not going to be there when we turn up for the match day. So we just have to wait and see what happens. If it swings it is great but if it does not we have got a job to do, trying to take wickets and finding ways to do so,” said Anderson during a virtual interaction with the journalist on Sunday.
The experienced fast bowler played a starring role as England won the series opener, Anderson was left out of the side as India levelled the series with a crushing win in the second with the tourists keen to have their leading-wicket taker fully fit for the day-night Test in Ahmedabad.
With the pink ball expected to swing under lights, the 38-year-old could again play a pivotal role for Joe Root’s side and, after watching on in Chennai last week, he says he is raring to go.
“It’s obviously mixed emotions missing out after playing pretty well in the first Test, you’ve got to look at the bigger picture I guess,” Anderson told reporters.
“The idea was if I missed [the second Test] then it would give me a better chance to be fit and firing for the pink-ball Test. I’m feeling good and fresh, and ready to go again if called upon.”
Anderson felt England bowlers will be little bit more experienced than their counterparts having already played three Pink Ball tests in Adelaide, Oval and Christchurch.
“We’ve got a little bit of experience with the pink ball but this is just the second (day-night) Test in India, the first one in February as well so we don’t know how it is going to behave. The bowlers who get the ball in their hand come the Test match will be hopeful of it doing something and we’ll be hopeful that that gives us a little bit of an edge,” said Anderson
Commenting on his chances about playing the Pink Ball test, Anderson said, “Obviously, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed if I do play and we bowl first, I’ll be hoping it does a little bit.”