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Jimmy Anderson has produced another memorable performance at Lord’s but deflected the attention towards England’s “superhuman” captain Joe Root after he shouldered the batting burden once again in the second Test against India.
Anderson claimed the 31st five-wicket Test haul of his career as England dragged the tourists back from 3-276 at the start of play on Friday to 364 all out.
But the evergreen paceman was quick to turn the attention to Root who, in England’s reply, came to the wicket facing a hat-trick ball at 2-23 and began a rescue act, ending up unbeaten on 48 at stumps after guiding his side to 3-119.
“Every time he goes out there he just shows his class. He just looked class from ball one,” said Anderson, as Root eased past Graham Gooch (8,900) to sit second on England’s all-time run-scorer list, currently on 8,935.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“When you see your captain go out and play like that first up on a hat-trick ball, it does have a really calming effect on the dressing room.
“Joe’s been amazing throughout his career and his stats in the last 12 months in particular, with everything we’ve been through – the pandemic and everything – it’s been super human.”
That description has been used about Anderson plenty of times over the years too. Unmatched as the most durable and most prolific seam bowler in Test history, he continues to lead his side through tight spots and thrives at the home of cricket.
Even at 39, he typically rejects any and all discussions around his longevity, but 18 years after his first five-for here, he gave a nod in that direction.
“The last few times I’ve been here you do think, ‘is this the last time I’m going to play here?’,” Anderson said.
“Hopefully it’s not my last time here or my last time on the honours board.
“It definitely is as special every time you turn up and play at this ground. To get seven (five-wicket hauls) here is just incredible really. I do love it here. It seems to bring out the best in me.”
© AAP
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