Brad Hogg gives advice on how Indian batsmen can tackle James Anderson
Former Australian left-arm wrist-spinner Brad Hogg threw light on how Indian batsmen can keep England fast bowler James Anderson at bay during their four-match Test series at home.
With 606 Test wickets to his name, James Anderson is arguably one of the best fast bowlers to have ever played the game. The 38-year-old has proved time and again that he can be more than handy away from home.
With reverse swing likely to be on offer in India, the threat of James Anderson only increases for the hosts. Thus, in a video on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg explained how the Indian batsmen can see off James Anderson, especially when the ball is hard and new.
"We know that Anderson likes to swing the ball both ways. So the opening batters have got to try and bat outside their crease and try to negate the swing that Anderson creates. But, if they are not comfortable doing that, then bat in your crease, and look for the in-swinger, defend it, and if it swings away don't chase it," Brad Hogg said.
"India cannot afford James Anderson to get early wickets" - Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg pointed out that both the Indian openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma tend to sometimes play away from their body. This is something that James Anderson would look to exploit.
The 49-year-old feels the Indian openers will have to stop Anderson from making early inroads into their middle-order. For this, they will need to wear him down and see off his initial burst with the new ball. If they are successful in doing that, then Brad Hogg believes the hosts can put Anderson under a lot of pressure.
"Both Indian openers in Gill and Rohit Sharma have a tendency to play away from their body. They like to drive through the covers. Anderson will be looking for that. They can't afford Anderson to get early wickets. They got to wear him down because he is getting a little bit older. Don't let him get into the rhythm," Brad Hogg asserted.
Along with James Anderson, Team India might also have to deal with another stern test from speedster Jofra Archer. Although Archer has not played Test cricket in the subcontinent, he will bank on his experience of having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Analyzing both the squads, it might well come down to who performs better between Team India's spinners and England's pacers. The first Test is set to be played at the Chepauk in Chennai from February 5.