Veteran England pacer James Anderson was annoyed by the way seasoned Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was trying to play 'mind games' at the non-striker's end during Day 2 of the ongoing second Test in Vizag on Saturday, January 3.
The incident took place in the 95th over of the India's first innings batting, when Ashwin stretched his arm at the non-striker's end while James Anderson was trying to complete his delivery. Anderson had to pull off because lost his focus because of veteran Indian cricketer.
After completing his delivery in the next run-up, the veteran England pacer complained to on-field umpire as he was visibly unhappy about R Ashwin's position at the crease, seemingly conveying that he was standing too close to the stumps at non-striker's end.
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik said on air that Ravichandran Ashwin was trying to play his 'tricks' after he complained to umpires at Day 1 stumps about England's fielding.
However, James Anderson ended his fiery battle with Ravichandran Ashwin after he dismissed for 20 at 364/6. Ashwin quickly hit four boundaries after beginning Day 2 with single digit run. The veteran Indian all-rounder was trying to form a good partnership with double centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal until Anderson removed him in the 101st over of India's batting.
Veteran England pacer delivered the ball at good length and Ashwin was trying to play it straight. However, the ball edged his bat and landed it on keeper Ben Foakes's hand.
Ashwin and Anderson eyeing respective milestones in Test Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin and James Anderson are among the greatest bowlers the cricketing world has ever seen. They are often considered modern-era bowling greats and etched their names in the history of Test Cricket.
However, Ashwin and Anderson have set their eyes on achieving respective milestones in their Test career. Veteran Indian off-spinner is just four wickets away to become the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble and the ninth overall to complete 500 Test wickets. Ashwin's tally stands at 496 wickets after 96 matches.
While, Anderson is just shy of seven scalps to become the first pacer and the third overall after Muthiah Muralitharan and late Shane Warne to take 700 wickets in Test cricket. Veteran England bowler's tally stands at 693 wickets after 184 matches.
Ravichandran Ashwin and James Anderson are expected to achieve their respective feats in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England.
