English great James Anderson feels it’s a SHAME Virat Kohli is not playing Test series

James Anderson averages 42.3 against Virat Kohli, but has taken 10 wickets.

English great James Anderson feels it’s a SHAME Virat Kohli is not playing Test series

James Anderson and Virat Kohli have share an intense rivalry (Image via ESPN)

Virat Kohli had to pull out of the ongoing Test series with England citing personal reasons. Later it was announced that his son, Akaay Kohli, was born and so far his participation in the series won’t occur. 

With Kohli not playing, his nemesis James Anderson has admitted that he misses the Indian star. Talking to Jio Cinema, he said he wanted to play against the best and wanted another battle with Kohli.

YouTube video
You always want to play against the best players. And it’s been a shame that he’s not been a part of the series. We have had some great battles over the years. I guess English fans will be thankful he’s not playing because he’s such a quality player. But not just for me, I think as a team you want to play against the best in the world and he certainly is that.
Anderson to JioCinema

Anderson and Kohli faced off against each other for the first time in 2012 when England toured India. In 2014, Kohli struggled in England, with Anderson getting his wicket four times. In the next four series played between India and England, Anderson got Kohli’s wicket six times. Meanwhile, Kohli averages 43.6 against the England veteran. 

James Anderson admits he learnt reverse swing by watching Zaheer Khan

For a pacer to succeed in India, they must know how to bowl reverse-swing. In the ongoing series between India and England, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his prowess with the old ball, with many of his wickets coming with reverse swing. 

Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is regarded as one of the best reverse-swing bowlers of all time (Image via ESPN)

James Anderson is also a great pacer who can utilize his reverse-swing in India. The 41-year-old admitted he learnt how to bowl reverse swing by watching Indian legend, Zaheer Khan. 

For me, Zaheer Khan was someone I used to watch a lot to try and learn from. How he used the reverse swing, how he covered the ball when he ran into bowl, that's something I tried to sort of develop on the back of playing against him quite a few times here.
James Anderson on JioCinema

Anderson is close to the historic landmark of 700 Test wickets, becoming the first pacer to do so. He currently is at 598 wickets, and he will most likely have two innings to reach the landmark in the Dharamshala Test.

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