A lot of debates have already surfaced social media discussing the rivalry between English strike-force James Anderson and India’s run-machine Virat Kohli ahead of the beginning of India’s Test series against England. The 1st Test begins on Wednesday and the pre-match hype has made this one of the most anticipated battle in the upcoming weeks.
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Nevertheless, Anderson’s bowling partner, Stuart Broad, thinks that the crowd should not over-hype the ‘rivalry’ between the two greats of the game.
“I really don’t agree with the theory that one particular bowler can target a world-class batsman,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) website quoted Stuart Broad as saying.
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“You have to have that pressure and theatre at both ends against that sort of quality — that’s when you get mistakes. If he (Virat)’s able to really watch Jimmy (Anderson) and play carefully but score off me, you’re taking away any advantage as a team.
“As a bowling unit, we will just have to make it as hard for all of their batsmen to score early runs, but particularly a key player like Virat. We have to try and create pressure that way,” the 32-year-old added.
Skipper Virat Kohli has had a torrid time batting in Test matches in England, with Anderson torturing Kohli during India’s visit in 2014, dismissing the Indian superstar four times throughout the series.
Virat Kohli had cleverly dodged queries about his individual form in England, and revealed that he wants to enjoy his stay rather than worrying about his individual form as long as the team performs as a unit.
However, Anderson believes that Kohli’s individual performance will be pivotal in determining India’s success on this tour, and that the Indian skipper will be under pressure.
“For India to win here, of course it matters. Virat will be desperate to score runs for his team, as you would expect from the captain and one of the best players in the world,” the 36-year-old said.
