Ben Stokes praises James Anderson ahead of Ranchi Test

England skipper Ben Stokes has heaped huge praise on veteran fast bowler James Anderson. The 41-year-old is set to play this third Test in a row against India in Ranchi starting on Friday. 

It was speculated that Anderson may be rested for the 4th Test and recalled for the final game. With England trailing 2-1, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will look to Anderson to do the magic. 

The veteran fast bowler needs just four wickets to become the first ever pacer to reach 700 Test wickets. Fondly called the Burnley Express, Anderson is also 12 wickets away from going par with Shane Warne. The former Australian great has 708 Test wickets while Muralitharan has 800. 

Ben Stokes heaps lavish praise on James Anderson – 

Ahead of the 4th test vs India, Ben Stokes has come out and praised veteran pacer James Anderson. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Stokes called the 41-year-old ‘A role model’. 

“If you’re a young fast bowler, Jimmy Anderson is the one person who you want as your role model. Not only the amount of wickets he’s got but the fact he can keep going at his age” said Stokes. 

James Anderson has defied age and continued to toil away despite questions over his future. Stuart Broad who was a long time bowling partner of James Anderson has often marveled at the Lancashire legend’s hunger. 

Seconding that view, Ben Stokes ended the press conference by saying “Even saying approaching 700 Test wickets as a fast bowler is incredible. He’ll know that but I don’t think that will be at the top of his mind for this week, just because of where we’re at in the series”

England has named their playing XI for the fourth Test match starting on Friday. Ollie Robinson has replaced Mark Wood, while Shoaib Bashir comes in for Rehan Ahmed. Despite calls to be dropped, Jonny Bairstow has kept his place in the team. 

The pitch for the game still remains a mystery with Ben Stokes not sounding too optimistic about the surface. India will head into the game without Jasprit Bumrah who has been rested. 

According to media reports, Akash Deep might be given his Test cap to partner Mohammed Siraj. India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has thrown his support behind Rajat Patidar who has faced a difficult start to his Indian Test career.