Indian batting line-up should not take James Anderson lightly: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra has recommended that the Indian batting line-up should not take James Anderson lightly in the upcoming Test series. The pacer is turning 39, but has shown no signs of slowing down. He also became the 2nd oldest bowler to take five wickets in an innings in Asia. England's quality paceman can form a solid partnership with Stuart Broad or Jofra Archer. 

Speaking about England's fast bowlers in Asia, Anderson has picked up 66 wickets in his career. The 39-year-old is also the most successful fast bowler for England in the purest format of the game. James Anderson picked up a six-wicket haul in the second Test against Sri Lanka in the just-concluded series. He is also the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in the history of Test cricket, with 606 wickets to his name.

Aakash Chopra warned the Indian batsmen against proving any complacency while facing the seamer. Aakash Chopra also pointed out that Anderson has the talent to bowl outswingers with the reversing ball. Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar had also named this skill as one of the main reasons behind his success in sub-continental conditions.

Can James Anderson break Anil Kumble's record in the upcoming series? 

The England pacer has featured in 157 matches and picked up 606 wickets in the game's most extended format. The Lancashire player might surpass Anil Kumble as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in the upcoming series. Former Indian spinner, Anil Kumble has 619 wickets, and Anderson needs 14 wickets from the series to achieve the milestone. Anderson is also the highest wicket-taker against India in Test cricket. He has picked up 110 wickets from 27 Test matches. In India, he has only managed to scalp 26 wickets from 10 Tests. Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan stands second on the list with 105 wickets. Anderson could also equal former skipper Alistair Cook's record of playing most Tests matches for England. Alistair Cook has played 161 whereas Anderson has featured in 157 games for England. 

The India vs England Test series will kick off from Friday, February 5 onwards at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The series is crucial for both teams as their final attempts to secure a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship.

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