Graeme Smith takes a dig at James Anderson

After the end of the 4th day’s play, English fast bowler James Anderson claimed that Virat Kohli was a very good batsman in Indian conditions and all his technical deficiencies were not visible in subcontinental conditions. Referring to the 2014 series in England where Anderson bossed over Kohli and dismissed him several times, the experienced fast bowler said, “I’m not sure he’s changed. I just think any technical deficiencies he’s got aren’t in play out here. The wickets just take that out of the equation. There’s not that pace in the wicket to get the nicks like we did against him in England with a bit more movement.”

“When that’s not there, he’s very much suited to playing in these conditions. He’s a very good player of spin and if you’re not bang on the money and don’t take your chances, he’ll punish you.”

After his claims, there has been a huge uproar, especially in India. Even former South African captain Graeme Smith took a dig at Anderson and asked him whether his statement meant that he can bowl only in English conditions? Anderson had earlier stated that Kohli’s technical deficiency wasn’t visible in India, to which Smith asked him whether Anderson considered himself as a bowler who can take wickets only in favourable English conditions?

It was a brilliant assessment of Anderson’s comments by the former captain who was apparently quite surprised with the fast bowler’s claim. Even during the last day of the 4th Test, Ashwin had a brief chat with Anderson when the latter came out to bat and had apparently told him that he was pretty upset with his remarks on the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s batting technique and one should always accept defeat and appreciate the team who is playing well.