‘Firse jhelna hai isko’ – Fans react as Ian Bell gives his verdict on whether England need James Anderson or not for Test series in India

England managed to salvage a 2-2 draw in the recently concluded Ashes 2023. But, now, they will be in action again in the red ball format in January 2024. They will play India in a five-match Test series in India, starting on 25 January. But, the veteran pacer, James Anderson had a forgettable Ashes with the ball.

He picked up only five wickets in four Tests at an average of 85.40. So, his chances of getting a place in the playing XI have become a concern for fans. Now, regarding that, whether he will be needed or not in India, the former England international, Ian Bell opened up in a recent chat with Betfair. He claimed that his experience will be needed in India. 

“He will have big job helping this next England seam attack develop.” – Ian Bell on James Anderson

Bell said: “One player England don’t need to worry about losing just yet is James Anderson. Just because Stuart has retired doesn’t make him more likely to follow suit in my opinion. England will need his experience in India, not to mention that reliability to bowl dry. He will have big job helping this next England seam attack develop.” He was also asked if England’s new ‘Bazball’ approach would work or not against India, especially against their spinners in India in spinning-friendly tracks.

Regarding that, Bell backed Ben Stokes and his men as he said that they can be successful but would need to be smart in situations to get ahead of the oppoistion. “As Ben Stokes said in the press conference the other day, he’s been asked whether Bazball would work against Pakistan, South Africa, Australia. So, yes, it will be used in India. But it will be an adapted Bazball. That’s what was so good about the Ashes. England showed they could learn and adapt as the series went on. In India they will need to be smart,” Bell concluded.

Here is how fans have reacted:

https://twitter.com/vivekpunekar/status/1688711035765837824