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James Anderson terms win over Pakistan in first Test as ‘one of the best’

Anderson hailed the unity and spirit of a three-man seam attack consisting of himself, Ollie Robinson, and Stokes

James Anderson terms win over Pakistan in first Test as ‘one of the best’ PHOTO: AFP

England fast bowler James Anderson defined the Rawalpindi Test victory against the hosts as one of the best he has ever witnessed.

The visitors defeated Pakistan by 74 runs on Monday, thanks to inspired bowling spells from Anderson and Ollie Robinson, who each took four wickets.

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“I don’t think I have, actually. It’s probably one of the best wins I’ve been involved in, if not the best," said Anderson while talking to SkySports.

“On a pitch like that, to play the way we did, to score runs at the rate we did, we gave ourselves a chance to get the result. It was an unbelievable effort from everyone. We knew it was going to be difficult; it just feels like with Ben and Brendon (McCullum, head coach), their mantra is ‘we’ve got to take wickets.’ We look to take wickets all the time," he further added.

In the fourth over after lunch, Anderson had Rizwan caught behind, and Robinson had Shakeel caught by Keaton Jennings at short cover, who made an outstanding catch.

The 40-year-old then demonstrated his mastery of the old ball. In the same over, Anderson removed Zahid Mahmood (one) and Haris Rauf (zero) as four wickets fell for just seven runs.

Anderson hailed the unity and spirit of a three-man seam attack consisting of himself, Ollie Robinson, and Stokes, adding: “I think we all kept each other going. At times each of us was tired, and one of us would pick the other up. We managed to get through some long spells.

“It’s nice to have the win, but I don’t think tomorrow will feel great for me. It was a long five days.”

The second Test is in Multan from December 9 to 13, and the third in Karachi from December 17 to 21.