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India vs England 2024 Cricket

'Overconfidence of Bazball' - Fans react as James Anderson says England will try to pull off record chase in 60 or 70 overs

On the back of Shubman Gill's scintillating century, India have set a highly competitive target of 399 runs.

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Mathew K
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James Anderson (Source: X)

James Anderson (Source: X)

England will need a record chase if they are to win the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam. Currently leading the five-match series 1-0, England will be aiming to pull off a miracle to extend their lead. On the back of Shubman Gill's scintillating century, India have set a highly competitive target of 399 runs. The visitors reduced their 67 runs deficit but still have a mountain to climb with 9 wickets and two days remaining.

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The highest succesfull chase in India is 387 and the conditions are not ideal for a big chase, especially when Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian spinners are on fire. However, veteran pacer James Anderson is confident that the team can cause another upset to their opponents with their 'bazball' strategy.

The 41-year-old said England were not under pressure when India took a huge lead, adding that the team was confident of chasing even 600 runs. "The chat last night from the coach was that even if they got 600 ahead we would still go for it. It's very clear to everyone how we will try to do it," Anderson said. 

We will try to do (chase) it in 60 or 70: Anderson makes bold claim

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England were able to wrap up India's second innings at rapid pace by dismissing Shubman Gill and Axar Patel in quick succession. Zak Crowley and Ben Duckett made a strong start to the chase, but Ravichandran Ashwin made the first breakthrough by dismissing the left-hander. The visitors now need 322 runs in 180 overs. However, Anderson said his batters will try to chase down the target in just 60 or 70 overs.  

"I know there are 180 overs left in the game but we will try to do it in 60 or 70. That's the way we have set our stall out and we will play the same way we have over the last two years," he added.

Earlier, Gill notched up his third Test century (104 off 147 balls) to pull India back from an early setback. Anderson wreaked havoc at the start of Day 3 with the wicket of captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. It was Gill's partnership with Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel that bailed India out of trouble. A smashing finish is on the cards with teams that dominate the first session on Monday will likely have the last laugh. 

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Here's how fans reacted to James Anderson's bold claim: 

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