‘We just have to accept that he's a fantastic player’ – James Anderson’s words of praise for Rishabh Pant

England fast bowler James Anderson lauded Indian batsman Rishabh Pant for his aggressive style of play, irrespective of the match situation. In the ongoing Test at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Pant came to bat after India lost four quick wickets for 15 runs in a space of 35 balls. However, the left-hander didn’t let the situation affect him and looked to take on the English bowling.

In only the fourth ball he faced off Anderson, Pant advanced down the track and lofted the ball over the off-side. Though he didn’t find the boundary, he churned out three runs. Anderson stated that the Brits had an idea of Pant’s approach when the latter came to bat.

He’ll think outside the box: James Anderson

“We’ve got a taste of what he was planning to do. He used his feet on the third ball he faced today. We know the way he’s going to play. He’s aggressive, he’ll think outside the box. He might play the odd shot that’s out of the ordinary and we just have to accept that he’s a fantastic player, fantastic talent,” Anderson was quoted as saying after the second day’s play.

Anderson, who turned 39 a few days ago, was on top of his game on Day 2. The ageless wonder picked up the crucial wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Both of his scalps came off outside-edges, caught by Jos Buttler.

Anderson didn’t give a lot of runs either, having conceded only 15 runs in his 13.4 overs at an economy rate of 1.10. On Pant, the veteran said that he’s not going to be intimidated by the left-hander’s intent with the bat.

“So, all we have got to do is concentrate on our areas as much as we can, keep bowling our best ball even when he’s doing different things to try and put us off. We’ve just got to hope he nicks one and that’s all we can do because, as I said, he’s a great player. We have nothing specific planned for him. If he keeps charging me then I’ll bowl my best ball, that’s all we can do,” he added.