Legendary England pacer James Anderson made headlines for preferring the golf course to his national duty as the tourists began their tour of Pakistan with the first Test in Multan on Monday, October 7. And now England head coach Brendon McCullum has reacted to Anderson’s move.
England bowling coach James Anderson has opted to delay his arrival in Pakistan for the much-awaited three-match Test series due to his participation in the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The 42-year-old’s decision has sparked debate but Brendon McCullum has thrown his full support behind the legendary fast bowler.
James Anderson’s commitment to golf surprises, Brendon McCullum defends bowling coach
Many have questioned the timing of Anderson’s commitment to golf during England’s preparation for the three-match Test series in Pakistan, but McCullum insisted the bowling coach remains invaluable to the team despite not being with them. in Pakistan.
Anderson has already missed the pre-Test series presentation and will not land in Pakistan until October 8, which will be the second day of the first Test in Multan. However, the bowling coach has been in constant communication with the England cricket team’s inexperienced pace attack.
Meanwhile, Brendon McCullum highlighted the marked change in opinions regarding James Anderson’s coaching role. He mentioned that people were questioning Anderson’s qualifications for the coaching position just two months earlier, and now, however, his absence is significantly felt.
Two months ago you said he didn’t deserve to be a coach: Brendon McCullum to James Anderson’s critics
The England manager said it was a result of the positive impact Anderson has had in his brief transition from player to coach. McCullum emphasized that it is possible to maintain connections and provide guidance even when not physically present in this generation.
According to Wisden, Brendon McCullum said on Sky Sports: “Two months ago you were saying I didn’t deserve to be manager. Now we miss him. That’s an affirmation of the huge impact Jimmy Anderson has had 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.”
Notably, England are currently fourth in the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with a record of eight wins, seven losses and one draw, following their wins over West Indies and Sri Lanka in the recent Test. series.
Pakistan seeks to come back and start strong in the Multan test
On the other hand, Pakistan are currently eighth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings after suffering a whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in the two-match home Test series last month.
Talking about the Multan Test, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first against England. Abdullah Shafique (102) and captain Shan Masood’s 151 took the hosts to 328/4 at stump on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test of the three-match Test series against England.