VIZAG Notebook

Ageless Anderson sets another record

AT 41 years and 187 days, Jimmy Anderson became the oldest seamer to play Test cricket in India yesterday when he began his 184th match. he surpassed Lala Amarnath, whose career ended in late 1952, against Pakistan at eden Gardens, three months beyond his 41st birthday. Anderson’s recall to the side means he is now into his 23rd calendar year as an international cricketer.

MAIL SPORT is pleased to report that England’s supporters, so badly treated in Hyderabad, are finding this east coast port much more hospitable. After having essentials such as water and sun block confiscated during the first Test and being forced to sit in the sun, the atmosphere has been more welcoming. ‘There was a long queue as only one gate was open for us but they let us bring bags with water, food and binoculars in,’ reported tour group organiser Derek Myers. ‘And we have good seats in the shade.’

Averaging almost 70 is not good enough!

UNLIKE england, who have made a habit of announcing Test teams in advance of matches, India left it until the first morning to reveal Rajat Patidar at No 5 over Sarfaraz Khan, a player who averages 50 per cent more than his rival in first-class cricket. In fact, Khan’s 69.85 is the fourth best in history, behind Australia great Sir Donald Bradman, India’s Vijay Merchant and the majestic West Indies batsman George headley.

THEY lost 19 Test World Championship points for slow over rates in the Ashes but Stokes’s side were lively here, the inclusion of four spinners leading to 31 overs before lunch and 32 in the afternoon. They would have been ready to bowl the 90th over, to complete the day’s quota, with a quarter of an hour to go but for Yashasvi Jaiswal having treatment for cramp.

ANDY BROWN is becoming a familiar figure in this series, painting a picture of the action on the boundary edge every day. Brown, who has visited over 120 baseball grounds across 18 countries and worked in sports including American football and sumo wrestling, had the idea of covering this tour and found the Indian board happy to help. ‘It’s fantastic to be so close to the action,’ said Brown. ‘I do one main canvas each day and sketches in each stadium, along with artwork documenting my travels.’

To see Brown’s work go to: andybrownstadiums.com