England pacer James Anderson on Saturday picked up his 111th First Class wicket. He dismissed India captain Rohit Sharma on Day 2 of the ongoing 4th Test in Ranchi to achieve the feat. Since making his debut in 2003, Anderson has been a vital cog in England’s Test setup. He is also the all-time wicket-taker in Tests among fast bowlers. As Anderson came out to bowl on Day 2 after England were bowled out for 353, the cameraman spotted a spectator who had a special poster dedicated to the England icon.
In the poster, the fan wrote that he will start studying after Anderson, 41, retires from the sport.
“I will start to study when James Anderson retires,” the poster read.
Despite being 41, Anderson seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.
Reacting to the poster, former India head coach asked the fan to go on a holiday, saying that Anderson isn’t retiring anytime soon.
“You’ve got to wait, young man. You are not studying soon, go on a long holiday. It is not happening any time soon,” Shastri was heard as saying on-air.
Shastri also praised Anderson for his longevity, having already served England for more than two decades.
“Got to respect and admire the individual for his sheer longevity. To be around for so long and continue playing at the top level is superb,” he added.
Anderson provided England with an early breakthrough in the first session after England were bowled out.
Shoaib Bashir, however, was the star for England as he dismissed Shubman Gill (38), Rajat Patidar (17) and Ravindra Jadeja (12) in the second session.
Earlier, Joe Root remained unbeaten on 122 as England folded for 353 in their first innings.
Resuming at the overnight score of 302 for seven, Root and Ollie Robinson completed their century stand for the eighth wicket to take England forward.
In the process, Robinson (58 off 96) hit his maiden Test half-century.
Jadeja (4/67) picked up all the three remaining England wickets on day 2.
Debutant Akash Deep (3/83) impressed on the first day, while Mohammed Siraj (2/78) picked up two wickets.
India are leading the five-match Test series 2-1.
(With PTI Inputs)
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