With the series interestingly poised at 1-1, the fourth test match between India and England at the Kennington Oval promises to be a riveting affair. For one thing, the match has already taken off to a flyer start, with both the hosts and the tourists enjoying their fair shares of ups and downs all throughout the first day of the game.
Batting first, India managed to put up only 191 runs on the board before being bowled out by their opponents. Captain Virat Kohli (50 off 96) led the men in blue’s batting charge, while a returning Chris Woakes tormented the tourists’ batting lineup with his four-wicket spell (4/55).
James Anderson runs in to bowl with a bleeding knee
But neither Virat nor Woakes were able to captivate the Surrey Oval audience as much as James Anderson did with his steadfast fighting spirit. The legendary English fast-bowler became a major talking point from the first innings when he ran in to bowl with a bruised, bloodied knee.
At some point during the second session of the day, Anderson was seen tripping and falling onto the pitch while executing his run up. The 39-year-old senior pro didn’t seem to be in the best of his rhythms this morning; while Anderson did manage to pick up the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara, a lot of the times, he was guilty of bowling at erratic lines and lengths.
But despite putting up a less-than spectacular performance, ‘Jimmy’ didn’t lose his grit and commitment towards the game. As it turned out, Anderson had scraped his knee in a really unfortunate manner. The on-field cameras even captured stains of blood marred on his white trousers.
Notwithstanding the pain and distress, a valiant Anderson didn’t walk off the pitch and returned to complete his spell. During the 42rd over of the game, Anderson was seen bowling to India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane with red streaks around the knee region of his trousers.
Twitterati impressed by James Anderson’s fighting spirit
The graphic left netizens in absolute awe of Jimmy Anderson’s resolve and passion towards the game. Here are some of the top Twitter reactions.
This is how Jimmy injured his knee:
#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Hogx2XM6R7
— The sports 360 (@Thesports3601) September 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/Shalvi_Rajput07/status/1433429883976257538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1433429883976257538%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.republicworld.com%2Fsports-news%2Fcricket-news%2Fjames-anderson-bowls-with-bleeding-knee-at-oval-vs-india-netizens-laud-his-dedication.html
The blood is bleeding on James Anderson's legs. pic.twitter.com/8AFpUxMmsH
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) September 2, 2021
At 39 years, James Anderson is inspiring everyone with his dedication.#ENGvIND #JamesAnderson #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/4Y67lR0ANT
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖎𝖙_18 (@Mohit_18Vk) September 2, 2021
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Day 1 summary
England, after restricting India to a below-par total, have got off to a wobbly start in the second innings themselves. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a brilliant opening spell to reduce the hosts to 6/2, while Umesh Yadav, playing his first international game in nearly eight months, claimed Joe Root’s wicket to further impede their chances. England finished at 53/3 at stumps, with Dawid Malan and Craig Overton at the crease.
