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‘If India Gets 600…,’ James Anderson Reveals Bazball Plan For Record Chase In 2nd Test

image-ls7jna1hJames Anderson | Source: X.com

James Anderson, the forefront of England's pace bowling, shared that coach Brendon McCullum conveyed a powerful message to the team ahead of day three, boosting their morale as they firmly believe in their game.

The visitors kicked off the third day positively at Visakhapatnam, removing openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the double centurion from the first innings, with a touch of James Anderson's ‘vintage’ brilliance. 

In a close call, James Anderson almost got Shubman Gill out, but the young batting sensation capitalised on his fortune, going on to compile a magnificent century and stabilising India's total amid top-order collapse. 

Gill scored 104 runs from 147 deliveries, supported by 11 boundaries and two sixes. India eventually ended their second innings at 255 all out, setting England a record target of 399 runs to chase in the fourth innings. 

England wrapped up day three at 67-1, with Zak Crawley and the ‘Nighthawk’ Rehan Ahmed holding the fort. It's a bit of hope, but they are in for a tough ride as no visiting team has ever chased more than 276 runs to win a Test match in India.  

Speaking to TNT Sports post the day's action, the England speedster mentioned McCullum's instructions to the team from the previous night, urging them to go after any target that India sets, even if it’s anything around ‘600’ or more.

Here’s what James Anderson said:

"We got sat down by the coach [Brendon McCullum] last night and he said, 'if India get 600 ahead, we're going to try and chase it down'. And that's exactly what we're going to try and do."

The pacer further added:

“We stuck to our task really well today. They put on a partnership at one point but the way the spinners kept going, kept toiling, was brilliant. Now we're in a great position and we're going to give it a good crack tomorrow.”

If England can chase down the 399-run target set by India, it will stand as the biggest fourth-inning run chase by any team in Asian conditions in Test cricket.