ENG vs NZ | Anderson overtakes McGrath of dismissing both openers in a single game

This has been a dream comeback for James Anderson as the experienced bowler once again proved why is still amongst the best new-ball bowlers in the red-ball format. 

Making his much-awaited return in whites for England against New Zealand, Anderson again picked up steam as he dismissed the Blackcaps openers within his first spell.

Anderson had been dropped from the team alongside partner-in-crime Stuart Broad during England’s tour of the West Indies. However, a horrendous spell in the absence of their star bowlers led to their return, albeit under the captaincy of new red-ball skipper Ben Stokes.

Anderson started off the proceedings with the new ball in his hands and ripped through the Kiwi batting order like a stack of papers. He found his first wicket in Will Young, who tried to play a good length delivery but found the outside edge of the bat as the ball travelled to Jonny Bairstow, who took a stunning catch at the third slip.

Tom Latham, too fell prey to the veteran as he found himself walking back to the dugout after edging a back of a length delivery outside the stumps to Jonny Bairstow. The latter nearly dropped the catch but held onto the ball using his left arm at the very last second.

This is the 27th incidence Anderson has picked up both the openers in the red-ball format. Earlier, he was tied with legendary Australian speedster Glenn McGrath, with both the bowlers dismissing the openers on twenty-six occasions. 

As of writing, England are in complete control over the match, with New Zealand reeling at 36/6 at the end of twenty-two overs. Debutant Matthew Potts justified his selection in the squad with two brilliant spells as the youngster picked up the wickets of Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson and followed it up with the wicket of Daryl Mitchell. The latter chopped the ball onto his stumps. 

The debutant is enjoying his dream run as he knocked over Tom Blundell’s stumps with an absolute ripper sending the off stumps rickrolling.