Zaheer Khan takes aim at James Anderson ahead of England-India Tests

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has said that despite having all the skills, England pacer James Anderson might still struggle in the upcoming Test series against India if the conditions do not suit him.

"If the wickets which are offered are helpful, you will see James Anderson continue to talk. But if they are not helpful for seaming conditions, then you might see England debating whether he should play or not after two Tests," Zaheer told Mid Day.

Zaheer also said that a five-Test series is never going to be easy for any visiting team. However, he believes that the prevailing weather conditions in England might just work in India's favour. 

'The batsmen will have a field day'

"The conditions are going to be dry and we saw that during the T20 and ODI series where there was some assistance for the spinners. Over the years, we have seen in England that when the sun is out, the batsmen will have a field day," the left-arm seamer added.

The Indian bowling attack is not entirely at his strongest with injury concerns to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been ruled out of the first three Tests. Jasprit Bumrah too will be unavailable for the first Test match.

The absence of two of India's premier all-format bowlers means the onus to shake up the English batting unit will be on Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Shami along with the spinners. 

Zaheer has captained Shami in the Delhi Daredevils and knows about the bowler and believes that he is a great talent and considers this series to be crucial as far as his career is concerned.

The Baroda-man also said that India will miss a left-arm seamer as not only does a left-armer provide options and also gives the off-spinner rough to work within the fourth innings.

The Yo-Yo Test

Speaking about the Yo-Yo test, Zaheer was of the opinion that it should only be a reference point and not the only parameter to judge a player's fitness.

"Right now, they have gone with the YoYo test, but it need not be the only test that determines fitness. If you are restricted with some kind of a niggle, you can have a comparative test for an individual which I am sure they would be following," Zaheer quipped.