Chennai: Captain Joe Root on Tuesday heaped praises on James Anderson, calling him England’s GOAT, greatest of all time who is “ageing like a fine wine” after his reverse-swing masterclass helped England secure an emphatic win in the opening test against India.
Veteran pacer James Anderson tilted the game in England’s favour with his exceptional spell, snaring three wickets in the second innings and snuffed out India’s hopes of securing a draw in the series-opener.
Root, who was man-of-the-match after his 218 in the first innings of his 100th test, acknowledged Anderson’s skill and longevity.
“He is the GOAT of English cricket. He finds ways of constantly challenging himself and getting better.
At 38 to still be getting better and be as fit as ever is fantastic - he is a great role model.
His skill level is as good as anyone you’ll ever see,” Root said after equalling Michael Vaughan as England’s most successful test captain following the 227-run victory.
“He just keeps getting better and better, like a fine wine. His skill levels are as high as ever and his fitness levels. He sets a great example for all the younger bowlers in our squad and I can see him playing on for many more years, which is very exciting,’’ he added.
Anderson said he was happy to get Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane clean bowled on a track where the ball usually kept low.
“It’s always nice to see the stumps cartwheeling out of the ground, doesn’t happen very often at my age, so yeah really happy with it,” he said. (UNI)
