Pakistan star Mohammad Rizwan has lauded England legend James Anderson after he produced a magic delivery to get him out in the ongoing Test in Multan.
At the age of 40, Anderson is still bowling brilliantly for England and bowled what Stuart Broad described as "the ball of the day, if not the tour, if not the year" to dismiss Rizwan. Anderson got the ball to nip back off a length, beat Rizwan's bat and smash into his off stump.
Rizwan was left in disbelief at the ball and stood there in complete shock for a while before eventually walking off. And when asked about his dismissal at the close of play, Rizwan told Sky Sports : "It's always a masterclass. I love him because of his bowling and obviously I had no answers to his questions."
Former England captain David Gower, meanwhile, said the fact Anderson produced such a delivery in unfavourable conditions in Pakistan made it even more "extraordinary". You can understand that if it was Trent Bridge with a covering of grass," he said on commentary.
"But that's an extraordinary delivery – a freak of a delivery – here." Pakistan legend Waqar Younis added: "A genius at work, wow.
"You could see that delivery again and again, especially delivering such a delivery on this surface – only Anderson can do that."
England set their opponents a target of 355 runs to win, which would be a record in Pakistan as no side has successfully chased more than the 314 the hosts memorably reached to beat Australia by one wicket in Karachi in 1994.
And the Test is well-placed for a fascinating finish on day four, with both teams confident of winning. England need to take six more wickets to wrap up a historic series victory with a Test to spare, while Pakistan need 157 runs to send the series to a decider in Karachi.
"We are happy where we are", was England coach Marcus Trescothick's verdict, while Rizwan insisted Pakistan are "in a good position".
