The second Test between England and India saw players from both teams having a go at each other. It all started when Jasprit Bumrah bowled a fiery spell to James Anderson on Day 3 which the latter didn’t enjoy. The veteran seamer was frustrated and was seen exchanging few words with Bumrah. Indian skipper Virat Kohli too got into the act and had a heated argument with Anderson. The trend continued on Day 4 and 5 which saw India come back from behind to clinch a top win.
James Anderson has now opened up on the tussle and said Virat Kohli tried to tease him during the famous over which irked him and he felt he had say something in return. The pacer though regrets his action and feels this attitude was more suited to the team of 2010-11, which has players like Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad.
“The emotion got the better of me and I felt I had to say something. I felt bad for doing that because it drew attention away from Rooty (Joe Root) celebrating an amazing innings as he came off the field,” Anderson was quoted by Foxsports.
England got carried away with the situation and they tried to give it back to the Indian bowlers when they came out to bat in India’s second inning. The English bowlers bowled short, straying away from the best mode of dismissal in England, getting the batsman caught behind. The move backfired as Shami and Bumrah added invaluable 89 runs. This is where the match turned in favour of India. Anderson accepted that it was a mistake on their behalf.
The veteran also highlighted Virat Kohli’s dry run in the series and said he averages just 20 on the tour.
“We have to remember Virat is averaging 20 in the series, proving we have bowled well at a great player – but I would rather he was averaging 80 and we were 1-0 up.”