‘We will try to do it in 60 or 70’ – James Anderson lays out England’s plan to chase down mammoth target against India

James Anderson. (Photo Source: BCCI)

The second Test of the ongoing series between India and England has taken quite an interesting turn. After a back-and-forth battle for the first three days of the clash, the Indian team, having lost the first Test, posted a target of 399 runs for England to chase down and win the second Test.

On Day 3, Team India were 227 for six at tea for a lead of 370 runs. However, the hosts only managed to score 28 runs in the final session. The same batting approach was found to be cautious by veteran pacer James Anderson. The 41-year-old opined that the nerves were there to see for India.

Furthermore, he seemed confident in his side’s ability to chase down the mammoth target in Vizag. Opining that with about 180 overs left in the game, England will look to chase down the target in about 60–70 overs.

“I think the nerves were there to see today; the way they batted, they didn’t know how many were enough. They were quite cautious, even when they had a big lead,” Anderson was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“The chat last night from the coach (Brendon McCullum) was that if they get 600, we were going to go for it. It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70. That’s the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan (Ahmed) going out and playing his shots,” he added.

We’re doing something right: Anderson

Furthermore, James Anderson talked of how England have revolutionised Test cricket with their Bazball approach and how the style of play often puts fear in their opponents. Talking back to the first ball boundary against Australia in the Ashes.

“There’s been moments throughout the last 2 years, particularly in the last 12 months, that makes us think we’re doing something well because the way teams have reacted. Going back to the Ashes, first ball of the Ashes having point on the boundary sends a message to us we’re doing something right,” he added.