Anderson elated to comeback soon

The fast bowler couldn’t make his comeback count for his team on day one when India (Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara) called the shots. The bowler bowled 16 overs and took three wickets, including that of Ajinkya Rahane with the new ball in the penultimate over of the day. 

Anderson, who arrived just ahead of the Rajkot Test said it was great to be back. “I have spent the last two months working really hard to get back into the side. It’s been frustrating at times but it’s been worth it. Getting back out there with the boys was a great feeling in itself but to get a few wickets on the board made it even better,” he said after the first day’s play. 

The fast bowler said his recovery time from an injury was on expected lines and said he didn’t hope to hit the ground so quick. “That’s just the way it’s turned out (the rehab) and I’m happy. When I came back to bowling I progressed quickly. They thought it would take time get back to full pace but it took me less time and that’s why I came back,” he added. 

On his thoughts on the pitch, Anderson said: “I thought the wicket was tough to bowl on, the outfield was heavy. There will be some sore legs tomorrow. The pitch played well and the two guys who got hundreds they set about their business and showed they are world class batsmen. They made it very difficult to bowl.” 

With not much of a reverse swing with the old ball, England captain Alastair Cook opted to take the new ball in the 88th over. Anderson said the new ball swung more than what the first one did in the morning. “We went quickly to short balls against the openers, as the ball wasn’t doing much. But it swung more in the evening and the conditions were different with the floodlights on and sun going down,” he added.