James Anderson reveals England's unique strategy to unsettle India in Tests: 'We might open with...'

England are the only team in the last 15 years to win a Test series in India. That took place in 2012 when England spinners Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar spun a web around the Indian batters with their guile. However, things haven't been as smooth for England since then as India have always managed to steamroll the opposition in the subsequent Test series. But it might be different this time as England might employ a new strategy to finally end their India hoodoo.

3 things you need to know

• The English last won a Test series in India in 2012-13
• England have picked four specialist spinners in their squad
• The series begins January 25 in Hyderabad and the English team is undergoing a training camp in Abu Dhabi.

IND vs ENG: England's new strategy to unsettle Rohit Sharma and Co.

England's veteran pace bowler James Anderson revealed that Ben Stokes-led side might surprise India with their bowling strategy. He said that England might even open with two spinners on spin-friendly conditions in India. Anderson also maintained that seamers are not expecting to bowl much in the  upcoming five-Test series against India. England have picked four specialist spinners in their squad -- Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir. However, it is only Jack Leach who has played Test cricket before in India. . 

"There are only four seamers going, so we will not be expecting to bowl a huge amount of seam. It is just a slightly different role," he told ‘The Daily Telegraph’. 

"You might not bowl the overs you do in England, but they are still important. It probably puts more importance on spells you do bowl. These are the things we will pass on to the guys. "Reverse swing will play a big part. There might be occasions where we don't open with a seamer. We might open with two spinners," said the 41-year-old.

Anderson has a good record in India, having claimed 39 wickets. Although he did not have an impressive outing during the Ashes at home last year, he still feels he has something to contribute to the side.
"The training I have done this winter, I feel like age is just a number," he continued.

"...people will always look at my age when it comes up on the screen when I come on to bowl, but for me, it is irrelevant. It is how you feel as a cricketer, and I know I can still dive around in the field and put a shift in with the ball just like I have done for the last 20 years.

"I feel the last five-six years have been the best of my career. Although the Ashes did not go as well as I wanted it to, there have been many series when I have not bowled well throughout my career, and it is just a case of putting in the hard work to make sure it doesn't happen again," he concluded.

The English last won a Test series in India in 2012-13, while their previous tour in 2021 saw them lose the four-Test series 3-1, having won the opener in Chennai. The series begins January 25 in Hyderabad and the English team is undergoing a training camp in Abu Dhabi. The spin department will receive guidance from Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood, who too have Test-playing experience in the country.