"Two months ago, you guys were saying he didn’t deserve to be the coach" - McCullum on Anderson being blasted for missing start of 1st Test
England head coach Brendon McCullum came to bowling consultant James Anderson's defense after the latter was absent from the initial stages of the team's red-ball tour of Pakistan. The former pacer is involved in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a golf tournament in Scotland, delaying his arrival to Pakistan to join the team.
Anderson missed England's preparation in Pakistan for the tour and is expected to arrive on Tuesday, October 8, during the second day of the series opener in Multan. The 42-year-old, who retired recently during England's home summer has come under criticism over his commitment to the newfound role in the coaching setup.
However, McCullum saw no wrongdoing from Anderson's side and told Michael Atherton on Sky Cricket:
“Two months ago, you guys were saying he didn’t deserve to be the coach. Now we are missing him. That’s an affirmation of how good an impact Jimmy Anderson has made in the short period of time [during] his transition from player to coach."
“We live in a world where you can still communicate without being face to face. It’s a combined decision amongst everyone, he [Anderson] has made a huge transition from a 20-odd-year career into his new role and “he is on as a bowling consultant as well, it is not a full-time role," he added
Anderson took up the role right after he retired from international cricket. He has been overseeing the transition phase as far as the seam-bowling department after he and Stuart Broad retired in quick succession.
England bowlers struggling on Day 1 following Anderson's absence
The English bowling attack could not make an impression after Pakistan decided to bat first. The pace trio of Gus Atkinson, Chris Woakes, and debutant Brydon Carse have been on the wrong side of a Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique partnership rife with intent.
As of writing, Pakistan have scored 122-1 off just 25 overs to mark a memorable session on play. All three English pacers hold an economy rate exceeding four runs an over on a flat pitch.