Painful viewing for James
DAVID CLOUGH JAMES Anderson could barely watch as England debutant Tom Curran suffered the ‘worst feeling’ when his prize maiden Test wicket was chalked off for a no-ball during the Boxing Day Test.
Curran reflected on the moment when his joy at having David Warner caught at mid-on for 99 – in front of almost 90,000 spectators – turned instead to horror as the big screen at the MCG replayed his overstep.
Third umpire Joel Wilson duly confirmed Warner’s reprieve before the combative opener went on to complete his century with a clip off his hip for a single next ball on day one of the fourth Test.
It fell to Anderson to have Warner caught-behind soon afterwards for 103 – the 100th Ashes wicket of his recordbreaking career – in a total of 244 for three, which also featured a near inevitable half-century from prolific Australia captain Steve Smith (65no).
Recalling Curran’s misfortune in the pit-of-the-stomach turn of events, Anderson said: “I was gutted for him.
“It was hard to watch really, seeing the elation in his face and then watch it drain from his face seconds later when the big screen came up. “It’s one of things. “I guess you’ve got to learn the hard way – and unfortunately for him it’s on debut at the MCG, Boxing Day Test match.
“I’m sure he’ll be behind the line from now on.”
Curran also relived the moment at stumps.
“It was horrible, the worst feeling I’ve had,” he said.
“I get to get my first wicket twice,” added the 22-year-old.
“It was great to make my debut – a very proud day.” ●● Greg Daniels out-witting a Tadcaster defender ●● The returning Lee Gaskell stretches for a cross