England bowling mentor and veteran skipper Jimmy Anderson’s decision to skip the team’s preparations for the Test series in Pakistan for the golf tournament has raised eyebrows.
Anderson, 42, who retired in July, was later appointed England’s red-ball bowling consultant. However, ahead of Monday’s first Test against Pakistan in Multan, Anderson was not part of England’s pre-series preparations as he traveled to Scotland to take part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a golf tournament.
England’s attack is short on overseas experience and that was exemplified when Pakistan started quickly with the bat after winning the toss on Day 1. Suddenly the English attack with a cool pace pitch, Pakistan scored more than -4.5 per over in two sessions. captain Shan Masood brought up his first Test hundred after four years.
Former England first-class cricketer and respected pace coach Ian Pont bemoaned England’s poor bowling performance on the opening day while also reflecting on Anderson’s absence. “England’s seam bowlers are badly under the pump in Multan. Pakistan completely cash in on a flat track and lackluster bowling. “Under this modern coaching system, England’s bowling coordinator is 3rd on the golf course, which is good news,” Pont wrote in X.
England bowlers seam badly under the pump in Multan. Pakistan completely cash in on a flat track and lackluster bowling. Under this modern coaching system, England’s bowling coordinator is ranked 3rd on the golf course, which is good news. #everycloud#PAKvsENG
– Ian Pont Official (@Ponty100mph) October 7, 2024
‘McCullum supports Jimmy’
However, the coach of England, Brendon McCullum, challenged Anderson on the eve of the Test, insisting that it was a decision taken by all people. Speaking to former England captain Michael Atherton on Sky Sports, McCullum said: “Two months ago you were saying he didn’t deserve to be a coach. Now we miss him. That’s a testament to how much of a positive impact Jimmy Anderson has had in such a short period of time [during] his transition from player to coach.”
McCullum reiterated that “We live in a world where you can’t communicate without face to face.”
“It is a joint decision between everyone. He [Anderson] he’s made a big transition from a 20-year career to his new role and “works as a pitching consultant, it’s not a full-time role.”
“I have no problem, it was a joint decision” 🗣️
Brendon McCullum defends bowling consultant James Anderson’s decision to play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship means he will miss the start of the first Test against Pakistan 🏴 pic.twitter.com/0B2CGkJUiu
– Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 6, 2024
McCullum also said that the full schedule required a mandatory break as Anderson had chosen. “The challenges and demands of the international cricket calendar mean you need to get out and have fun too. If he was at home with his family, I wonder if no one would have had problems with it.”
At the time of going to press, England had conceded 199 runs for one wicket in 42 overs, averaging 4.72 runs per over.
Veteran Anderson, who played 188 Tests, retired after the Lord’s Test against the West Indies in July having taken 704 wickets, the best ever for a fast bowler.