Veteran England pacer James Anderson has opened up about his verbal spat with Shubman Gill during the last Test against India in Dharamshala. He said the young batter told him to back off after sledging him.
The fifth test between India and England It was one of the most fascinating games in the entire series. History was written when James Anderson claimed his 700th wicket in the longest format of the game and apart from that, there were many other sensational performances.
James Anderson recently featured for England in the series against India. Although the visitors lost the series by a margin of 4-1, the veteran pacer was one of the positives for the team in the long tour, in which the visitors played quality cricket.
During the Dharamsala Test, one of the highlights was the banter between Shubman Gill and James Anderson. The duo exchanged a few words after the young batsman reached his century. However, a few balls later, the pacer removed the mass with the peach.
The verbal spat between the teams even saw Jonny Bairstow get involved during England’s second innings. The batsman was seen having a verbal argument with Shubman Gill about the same and the clip of that incident was circulated on the internet.
Days after the India vs England test series ended, James Anderson revealed his dispute with Shubman Gill. He revealed that he told the Indian batsman that he only got runs in India, replying that the batsman told him to retire. Speaking on the BBC Tailenders podcast, he explained:
“I said something like, ‘Do you have trips outside of India?’ and he said, ‘It’s time to retire.’ Then, two balls later, I took it out.”
I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in – James Anderson
James Anderson also expressed his delight at playing for England next season. He said that he wants to earn his place in the team and that he is in the best shape. He added that his place on the team is not guaranteed because he needs to work hard to prove his worth. He added:
“I am very excited for summer. I want to make sure I play well and earn a place on the team. I’m not getting worse. I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been. I like where my game is and I still enjoy showing up every day and trying to improve in the nets. My place in the team is not a given, so I have to work hard to prove that I am worth a place in the summer.”
Next England summer will be a great opportunity for James Anderson to surpass Shane Warne’s tally of 708 Test wickets. If he achieves the feat, he will become the second highest wicket-taker in Tests, only behind Muthiah Muralidharan (800). It remains to be seen how many lands he will get next summer.