In what appears unusual, Anderson was seen wearing a jersey without his name and number.Anyhow, this oddity was not due to any International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations but was simply a case of misfortune and logistical mismatch.
ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule
“He had a jersey misfit for his size,” a source close to Team USA told TimesofIndia.com. It is understood that they were unable to provide Anderson with a jersey that fit him properly before the game began, leading him to prioritize comfort over the customary display of his name and number.
Despite this sartorial hiccup, Anderson’s performance on the field was noteworthy. Bowling first, Anderson managed to bowl three overs, conceding 29 runs and taking one wicket. The left-handed all-rounder’s contributions were a part of a collective effort as Team USA faced a daunting target set by Canada.
Canada, spearheaded by impressive knocks from Navneet Dhaliwal (61 off 44 balls) and Nicholas Kirton (51 off 31 balls), posted a formidable total of 194. However, Team USA’s batting lineup rose to the occasion, led by a sensational innings from Aaron Jones, who smashed 94 off just 40 balls. Jones’s aggressive batting, along with Andries Gous‘s steady 65 off 46 balls, cruised USA to a commanding seven-wicket victory.
Anderson’s turn with the bat was brief. Yes, he managed to see off the chase while remaining not out. Coming in towards the end, he faced only five balls and scored three runs, which was sufficient to see Team USA home in 17.4 overs.
As the home side celebrated a victorious debut, they now set their sights on their next challenge, facing Pakistan on June 6. Canada, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back against Ireland on June 7.
Corey Anderson’s unique T20 World Cup debut for USA, marked by his nameless jersey, will undoubtedly be remembered as a blend of misfortune and triumph in the face of rarity.