James Anderson slams batting friendly track
11 July 2014 6:00 AM IST
England fast bowler James Anderson was vocal in his criticism of the placid Trent Bridge pitch, saying the wicket assisted India more than the home side. ‘We are fantastic hosts,’ said Anderson jokingly at the press conference after the first day’s play.
‘It is a little frustrating because you want it to be an even contest between the bat and ball, and it does not seem to be at the moment. But we have been aware as a bowling unit that the Test pitches will be more batsmen friendly. So I think our bowling was fantastic today. We could have moaned about it and worried about it, but we just gave our best,’ Anderson said.
Elated at scoring his maiden overseas hundred and fourth of his career, Indian opener Murali Vijay said his fine effort on the opening day of the first Test against England here was a dream come true for him. Vijay’s unbeaten 122 on Wednesday helped India hold their own at 259 for four at stumps after electing to bat at Trent Bridge.
‘I had been hitting the ball well in practice games and in the nets. So I was in a positive frame of mind and wanted to give the team a good start. The pitch was good to bat on and I wanted to cash in this opportunity. I have dreamt of this and it is a happy feeling for me,’ said Vijay, who was on Thursday dismissed by Jimmy Anderson for 146 (361b, 4x25, 6x1).
Vijay had been getting starts in his last eight Test innings in South Africa and New Zealand, but yielded only one half century. It was something that perhaps played on his mind, but the batsman said he did not change his approach, knowing the runs will come.
‘It is a little frustrating because you want it to be an even contest between the bat and ball, and it does not seem to be at the moment. But we have been aware as a bowling unit that the Test pitches will be more batsmen friendly. So I think our bowling was fantastic today. We could have moaned about it and worried about it, but we just gave our best,’ Anderson said.
Elated at scoring his maiden overseas hundred and fourth of his career, Indian opener Murali Vijay said his fine effort on the opening day of the first Test against England here was a dream come true for him. Vijay’s unbeaten 122 on Wednesday helped India hold their own at 259 for four at stumps after electing to bat at Trent Bridge.
‘I had been hitting the ball well in practice games and in the nets. So I was in a positive frame of mind and wanted to give the team a good start. The pitch was good to bat on and I wanted to cash in this opportunity. I have dreamt of this and it is a happy feeling for me,’ said Vijay, who was on Thursday dismissed by Jimmy Anderson for 146 (361b, 4x25, 6x1).
Vijay had been getting starts in his last eight Test innings in South Africa and New Zealand, but yielded only one half century. It was something that perhaps played on his mind, but the batsman said he did not change his approach, knowing the runs will come.
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