James Anderson, one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, has faced many top batters in his career. Among them, Sachin Tendulkar might be the best, but his battles with Virat Kohli are truly legendary. These two cricket stars have faced each other in many Test matches, creating some of the most thrilling moments in cricket history. Their rivalry evolved over the years, with each player having his share of victories and defeats.
Early Encounters: 2014
The rivalry between Kohli and Anderson began in 2014. During this series, Anderson had the upper hand. He dismissed Kohli five times in 10 Tests. Kohli, still young and finding his way in international cricket, struggled against Anderson’s skillful bowling.
Turning the Tables: 2016
In 2016, the scenario changed dramatically. Kohli, now a more mature and confident player, dominated Anderson and the England team in a five-Test series in India. Kohli scored heavily, making it difficult for Anderson to dismiss him. This series marked a significant shift in their rivalry, with Kohli clearly in control.
Kohli’s Big Test: 2018
The 2018 series in England was a true test for Kohli. He scored almost 700 runs and did not lose his wicket to Anderson even once. This was a remarkable achievement, given Anderson’s reputation and skills, especially in English conditions. Kohli’s performance in this series solidified his status as one of the best batsmen in the world.
Shared Honours: 2021
The 2021 series saw both Kohli and Anderson sharing the honours. Anderson managed to dismiss Kohli twice, but the series ended in a 2-2 draw. This series was expected to be the last chapter in their rivalry, but Kohli’s withdrawal from the earlier 2023 series meant that 2021 would be their final significant encounter.
Anderson’s Reflections
In his farewell speech, Anderson, 41, reflected on his battles with Kohli. He spoke about the ups and downs of their rivalry. Anderson mentioned how he felt he could dismiss Kohli easily in the early days, but found it much harder in recent years. He acknowledged the challenges and emotions they both experienced, which made their encounters special.
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
Kohli and Anderson faced each other in 36 Test innings. Kohli scored 305 runs against Anderson off 710 balls, with 560 of those being dot balls. Kohli hit Anderson for 39 fours but never managed to hit a six. His strike rate against Anderson was 42.95, and his average was a decent 43.57.
The Kohli vs Anderson rivalry is one of the most memorable in modern cricket. It was marked by intense competition, respect, and unforgettable moments. As Anderson retires, fans will remember the thrilling battles between these two great players, which added a unique chapter to the history of Test cricket.
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