Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Absolutely nailed it,' says Anderson after India all out for 78

'Absolutely nailed it,' says Anderson after India all out for 78

James Anderson said England "absolutely nailed it" after they dismissed India for just 78 on the opening day of the third Test at Headingley on Wednesday (25) before surging into a first-innings lead without losing a wicket.

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss only for Anderson to remove a trio of top-order batsmen, including the tourists' skipper, during a return of 3-6 in eight overs.


Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test history, then saw Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed pile on the agony for India with an unbroken stand of 120 that left England 42 runs ahead at stumps.

"We just absolutely nailed it. With both ball and bat we've displayed exactly what we wanted to do," said Anderson.

It was just the third time any side had taken all 10 wickets and moved ahead on the first day of a Test without losing a single batsman in reply.

The previous occasion was during England's triumph in a 2010 clash at Melbourne where they dismissed Australia for 98 before Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook saw them to 157-0 at stumps.

Anderson is the last remaining England survivor from that match, with this game seeing him extend his national record of Test appearances to 165.

That left him well-placed to put Wednesday's events in perspective, with the 39-year-old telling reporters: "It doesn't get much better than that I don't think. These days don't come around very often, so you just have to be happy when they do."

- 'Not keen to bowl' -

"The only difference with Melbourne is that I was keen to bowl there and I wasn't today for some reason. I was trying to tempt Joe (Root, the England captain) into batting!," he added.

"But losing the toss, being asked to bowl and then putting in a performance like that...it just doesn't get much better."

KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara fell to Anderson before he dismissed Kohli.

And with fellow pacemen Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton and Sam Curran taking the next seven wickets between them, Anderson was not required for a second spell.

Yet there was still the worry for England -- 1-0 down in this five match series after slumping to 120 all out on the last day of the second Test at Lord's -- that they might collapse as well.

But the new opening pair of Burns and Hameed strengthened England's grip with two unbeaten fifties.

"The way the two guys played towards the end of the day with the bat was outstanding and exactly what we've been asking for," said Anderson.

"When you bowl someone out for less than 100 you're never quite sure whether you've bowled well or if the wicket is not as good as you think it might be. So to see the way they both went about their business, just felt so calm in the dressing room."

Hameed's 60 not out was all the more impressive after his return to Test cricket following a five-year exile saw him manage scores of just nought and nine at Lord's.

"I couldn't be happier for 'Has'," said Anderson.

"One thing he's always had is the right temperament for international cricket and we saw that today in bucket loads. He was calm, he was measured and he had a game plan which he executed brilliantly."

India's Rishabh Pant insisted his side's collapse was just "part and parcel" of playing Test cricket.

But the wicketkeeper was more forthcoming about an incident in the raucous Western Terrace late in the day that appeared to anger Kohli.

"I think somebody threw a ball at Mohammed Siraj. He (Kohli) was upset, yes," said Pant.

"You can say whatever you want to chant, but don't throw things at the fielders. It's not good for cricket, I guess."

More For You

“Cricketers sent me nude photos”: Anaya Bangar, Sanjay Bangar’s child, opens up on gender transition

Anaya also highlighted the issues of toxic masculinity and insecurity within the cricketing environment

Instagram/ anayabangar

“Cricketers sent me nude photos”: Anaya Bangar, Sanjay Bangar’s child, opens up on gender transition

Anaya Bangar, the child of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has shared her journey of gender transition, including hormone replacement therapy and gender reaffirming surgery. Previously known as Aryan, Anaya is currently based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced, both personally and professionally, since coming out.

Anaya, an athlete and left-handed batter, once followed in her father’s footsteps by playing age-group cricket. She has represented clubs such as the Islam Gymkhana in India and the Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire. However, she revealed that pursuing a cricket career after her gender reaffirming surgery has come with several hurdles.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir Starmer

Starmer thanked Christians for their community work, including support through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family services, elderly care and chaplaincy. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer thanks Christians for community work in Easter message

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer extended Easter wishes to Christians across the UK, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, Starmer said the story of Easter is central to the Christian faith. He acknowledged Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict globally who cannot celebrate freely.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Allahbadia says he lost reputation but gained perspective after ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy

He admitted he is still recovering emotionally

Instagram/ ranveerallahbadia

Ranveer Allahbadia says he lost reputation but gained perspective after ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy

Popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia has spoken publicly about the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent. During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on social media, Allahbadia addressed the impact the incident had on his personal and professional life, as well as how he is moving forward.

Responding to a fan’s question about what he had lost as a result of the controversy, Allahbadia listed a range of issues. “Health, money, opportunity, repute, mental health, peace, parents’ contentment and much more,” he wrote. Despite these challenges, he also described the period as one of growth and introspection, saying the experience led to “transformation, spiritual growth” and increased mental resilience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sainsburys-Getty

The company expects to generate £1bn in profit, with an underlying dip of around £36m, as competition intensifies across the supermarket sector. (Photo: Getty Images)

Sainsbury's warns of profit dip amid supermarket price war

SAINSBURY’s has forecast that profits from its retail operations may remain flat or decline over the coming year as it continues to reduce grocery prices.

The company expects to generate £1bn in profit, with an underlying dip of around £36m, as competition intensifies across the supermarket sector.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Sinha’s message was one of resilience and realism

Getty

The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Paul Sinha, known to viewers of ITV’s The Chase as “The Sinnerman,” has spoken candidly about his experience living with Parkinson’s disease. During an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday, 17 April, the comedian and quizzer reflected on his journey from diagnosis to managing the condition day to day.

Sinha, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2019, revealed that his earliest symptoms were not what many would typically associate with Parkinson’s.

Keep ReadingShow less