ED BATS FOR ENGLAND
Star turn a big hit
ED SHEERAN finally gave England something to smile about when the second day of the first Test against New Zealand was all but washed out yesterday.
The singer-songwriter made a surprise visit to the dressing rooms on a day that saw just 23.1 overs bowled and the home side stretch their lead to 171 for the loss of skipper Kane Williamson.
Jimmy Anderson was the wicket -taker but then had the misfortune to miss out on Sheeran’s visit.
“It was brilliant, yes,” said the Lancashire bowler.
“I didn’t actually see him – the lads did. A few of them chatted to him for a while.
“It was nice, especially after a couple of average days, to meet someone of his calibre.”
Best
Anderson confirmed several of Sheeran’s hits are on England’s team playlist.
“There are a few songs there and it was nice of him to come in and chat to the guys,” he added.
The day was also memorable for Williamson, who passed Martin Crowe and team-mate Ross Taylor to top the all-time list for Kiwi Test hundreds with his 18th ton.
“He’s up there with the best in the world,” said Anderson.
“I think he’s got a brilliant game plan, is good technically, good in all conditions and all forms of the game.
“There’s not many like him at the minute in world cricket.”
Williamson (right), who is still only 27, was very modest about the achievement.
“Martin was fantastic, a worldclass player for New Zealand – our best player, batsman certainly, of all time – and the respect is there for Martin,” he said.
“I’ve never focused too much on stats. It’s been about doing my best for the team and that’s why today it was frustrating to not still be out there.”