India vs England: 'Reminded me of impact Flintoff had in 2005 Ashes Test,' Joe Root lauds James Anderson

Speaking on the impact Anderson had in the match, England skipper Joe Root said that the bowler reminded him of the impact Andrew Flintoff had in the 2005 Ashes.

England speedster James Anderson was right on the money on Day 5 of the first Test against India as he dismissed three of the best batsmen and helped the visitors in picking up a mammoth 227-run win. Anderson's first strike was Shubman Gill who was cleaned up by the veteran pacer for 50. Three balls later, Anderson cleaned up India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for a duck as skipper Virat Kohli watched on from the non-striker's end.

**EDS: TWITTER IMAGE POSTED BY @ECB ON TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2021, ** Chennai: England's bowler James Anderson celebrates a wicket during the 5th & final day of the first cricket test match between India and England, at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium ,in Chennai, Tueday, Feb. 9, 2021. England won the match to lead the the series 1-0. (ECB/PTI Photo)(PTI02_09_2021_000178B) (PTI)

India still had the trump card of Rishabh Pant in their hands, but Anderson took care of him as well, dismissing the dynamic wicketkeeper for 19.

Speaking on the impact Anderson had in the match, England skipper Joe Root said that the bowler reminded him of the impact Andrew Flintoff had in the 2005 Ashes. Flintoff had dismissed Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer in one over in the second Test to revive England's hopes and campaign.

"It reminded me a little bit of (Andrew) Flintoff in 2005 (Edgbaston Test) and the impact of that over to (Ricky) Ponting and (Justin) Langer slightly. In the context of this game it was huge," Root said in the virtual post-match press conference.

"When you see someone like Jimmy Anderson, naturally you expect that from him," he added.

"He seems to get better all the time. The skill level keeps improving...his work rate is good as anyone I have ever seen. And his fitness level are the best he's ever been in his whole career," Root further said.

"It is a credit to English cricket. That's a great example to all England players. When you are under pressure and need something to happen when you got him in your armoury it is a very comfortable position to be in," Root said.

India and England will play the 2nd Test at the same venue starting from Chennai, but this time, 50 per cent of the stands will be filled with spectators.

"Well, we certainly miss our fans, the travelling fans and their support. Obviously, it's a big loss towards the end, to be able to enjoy a week, like this alongside the guys playing.

"It might be very different next week when there are a few people in the ground, and I'm sure that will improve the aesthetics of Test cricket even more," Root said.