Sam Curran backs James Anderson to reach 600 Test wickets

England all-rounder Sam Curran has backed his teammate James Anderson amid all the criticism he has been facing due to patchy form from the last few appearances.

Curran said that he was shocked at seeing the number of criticism veteran bowler is receiving despite the side’s win over Pakistan by three wickets in the first test at Old Trafford. 

However, the England skipper Joe Root showed his faith in the bowler by including him in the second test in Southampton. Anderson looked the most threatening bowler as he took two wickets on the Day 1 of the second test on Thursday. 

“He (Anderson) went really well today. I was pretty shocked with all the stuff that was going on about him, he a world-class bowler and anybody who doubts him is not being sensible” Curran told reporters after Day 1. 

“He has proven how good he is and is now approaching 600 (test) wickets. I’m sure he will get there,” he added. 

Curran took the wicket of the opener, Abid Ali who scored 60 runs and also broke the partnership building between him and Babar Azam. 

Anderson picked 2/35 in his spell of 15 overs and also removed the inform opener Shan Masood and skipper Azhar Ali cheaply and thereby helped restrict Pakistan to 126/5. 

The 38-year-old is close to creating history for becoming the first pacer to reach 600 test wickets. He is also just six games behind being the most capped English test player. He is only behind the former England skipper Alastair Cook who has played 161 test matches. 

The second day will resume with Pakistan starting the day on 126/5 with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on the crease.