Mumbai: England pace spearhead James Anderson, who claimed four wickets in the practice match against India A, said the visitors were not concerned that a part-time bowler like Yuvraj picked up a five-wicket haul on the third and final day.
“We got a couple of guys getting hundreds and a couple others getting fifties. Spinners are going to get wickets here as the wickets have a little bit of turn,” he pointed out.
England skipper Alastair Cook (119) and all-rounder Samit (104) scored hundreds in the game while Jonathan Trott (56) and wicket-keeper Matt Prior (51) scored half-centuries.
Anderson said that his team had a decent outing in the middle. “We had a pretty good work-out. I think we got what we needed to get out of the game,” he said.
He also praised the batting of Cook and Patel.
“He (Cook) was very determined and showed by example. Samit was outstanding. He was calm and controlled.”
Anderson said while fast bowling partner Steve Finn’s right thigh strain was unfortunate, it also offered the other pacers in the squad a chance.
“Injuries do happen. It’s unfortunate. But it gives others a chance,” he said.
Finn was injured on the opening day while fielding and limped off the field after a four-over spell in which he did not take any wicket.
Yuvraj’s figures of 5-94 are his best in first-class cricket.
Ashok Dinda took a brace, while Vinay Kumar and Suresh Raina took one each.
In India A’s short second innings, Ajinkya Rahane scored 54 as the home team reached 124-4 in 40 overs.
Murali Vijay was the next highest scorer with 32. Yuvraj made 14. (PTI)