After a craft-full day with ball-star England pacer James Anderson, he sheds light on coach Brendon McCullum’s bold message to the team. McCullum set an ambitious target ahead of day three in the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam. Despite the formidable lead established by India, courtesy of Shubman Gill’s stellar century, Anderson remains optimistic about England’s chances in the game.
On the third day of the Test, Gill’s outstanding innings of 104 runs from 147 balls dominated the headlines, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. While Anderson managed an impressive early spell, claiming two wickets, the young Indian batter’s resilience allowed India to establish a commanding position. The day saw a shift in momentum as England’s spinners, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed, orchestrated a comeback, securing crucial wickets.
India, eventually finishing their second inning at 255 all out, set England a challenging target of 399 runs to secure victory. At the end of the day, England stood at 67-1, with Zak Crawley and Rehan Ahmed at the crease, instilling a sense of hope for the visitors.
“We feel well in the game”, says James Anderson
However, the monumental task ahead cannot be overlooked, as no touring team has successfully chased down more than 276 runs to win a Test match in India. Despite the odds, Anderson reveals McCullum’s motivational message to the team, encouraging them to aim for a historic chase.
McCullum reportedly conveyed to the team his determination to pursue any score posted by India, setting the stage for an ambitious approach. Anderson acknowledges the challenge but expresses confidence in the team’s performance on day three. He emphasises the collective effort put into sticking to their tasks and praises the relentless pursuit displayed by the spinners.
“We feel well in the game. We got sat down by the coach [Brendon McCullum] last night, and he said, ‘If India gets 600 ahead, we’re going to try and chase it down’. And that’s exactly what we’re going to try and do,” says Anderson.
“We stuck to our task well today. They put on a partnership at one point, but the way the spinners kept going and kept toiling was brilliant. Now we’re in a great position, and we’re going to give it a good crack tomorrow,” he further added.
Here is how fans react to James Anderson’s comments:
From 211/4 to 255 all out. At one times look like that India will give target of 450 but due to collapse not even 400.
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) February 4, 2024
Mastermind Brendon McCullum best aggressive coach I have seen
But he didn't show any intent when he was a coach for KKR— Tharun (@surakshaengg) February 4, 2024
Mentality monster?
Go for a fight ENG. Atleast game will get interesting rather than a surrender— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) February 4, 2024
England wouldn't have made such noises if our management wasn't defensive on field in the first test which made us to bottle 190 runs lead.
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) February 4, 2024
— AKHIL (@Sam__purn) February 4, 2024
Ashwin will end this match in the first session itself. ?
— Systummm (@liberal_thug07) February 4, 2024
Love it. After a very long time India is getting challenged at home. It was about time. That test in Dharmsala is going to be epic.
— Sandeep (@FranklySandeep) February 4, 2024
Accha bhai pic.twitter.com/uBG8oY4cY9
— AKHIL (@Sam__purn) February 4, 2024
Vo England hai. Kuch bhi kar sakta hai. Unke paas Stokes hai.
Remember this innings? pic.twitter.com/SekBAkSFQK
— IPL Scoop (@Ipl_scoop) February 4, 2024
Ye bewkoof hai kya
— Ankit Verma (@TechyWicket) February 4, 2024
