Glenn McGrath sees playing James Anderson as key

Virat Kohli and his men will have to “get on top” of the swing and seam of the seasoned James Anderson to brighten India’s chances in the Test series against England, said pace legend Glenn McGrath.

“Anderson is going to be a big player,” said the Aussie. “It is how the Indian batsmen face his swing and bowling in English conditions. If they can get on top of Anderson, that is going to make a big difference for them. I think for them he is definitely going to be the key.” He also said though Indian bowlers have been doing well, batting remains their strength. “The batting line-up has always been their strength. Just heard about injuries to (Jasprit) Bumrah and Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar).

“So it will be interesting to see their bowling line-up, to see who comes in and takes the load. (Umesh) Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, who’s your backup quicks going in. (But) Injuries do happen, it is going to make it a little tougher. But their strength is their batting.” And the spinners of course. “Spinners have done well for India. Shane Warne loved bowling there (in Engalnd). He always said if it seamed, it will turn. In English conditions it does seam a bit and Warne has had success there. India is going to need their spinners firing if they have to win the series.”


He also spoke of the importance of having someone with experience. “That sort of makes a big difference when you know how to get wickets. (Ishant) is not probably bowling as quick as when he first started.”