Anderson’s inclusion will definitely make England stronger in Vizag: Kumble

Visakhapatnam [India]: India’s head coach Anil Kumble has admitted that James Anderson, who is available for selection for the second Test in Visakhapatnam, would definitely make England strong if included.

Speaking to media person here, Kumble, however, said they are not focusing on one particular bowler or batsman but on the England team as a whole.

“He has got 450 Test wickets. He is obviously experienced and he has played here before. So, he has been a very important player for England. You need the experience and if someone is available, then it will obviously be a stronger unit,” he said.

“We would like to look England as a team, and not focus on one particular bowler or batsman. So, it would be good to have full teams from both the sides going into this Test match,” he added.

The Indian head coach also insisted that the team selection would be made only after seeing the pitch.

“We will make our strategy according to the pitch and will select the team accordingly. We will play according to the pitch. We play to take 20 wickets and win the Test match,” he said.

The veteran leg spinner also asserted that the team would focus on to improve their catching, which let them down in the drawn first Test in Rajkot.

“If you look at only aspect where we only let ourselves down was catching. We have done really well in all the three departments in the last three and a half months that I have been part of this team or before that. This team really prides itself in batting, bowling and catching.We are aware of it (catching) going into this Test match,” he said.

Anderson, England’s highest wicket taker in Tests, who was ruled out of the upcoming tour to Bangladesh due to shoulder injury, had to miss the opening Test of the five-match series against India.

In 17 Tests in Asia, he has taken 55 wickets at an average of 28.29. Under Alastair Cook’s captaincy, that record is 25 wickets from seven Tests at an average of 22.64. He claimed 12 in the four-match series in 2012 which England won. (ANI)