The on-field rivalry between Virat Kohli and James Anderson has been one of the most intense player battles in world cricket over the years.

But the fans were denied of the entertainment after Kohli withdrew from the ongoing Test series against England due to the birth of his son Akaay. Despite Kohli's absence, India have won the series after winning three back-to-back games on th bounce. The fifth and final Test match will start on March 7 at Dharamsala.

Anderson, who is the oldest player in the visiting contingent at 41, felt it's a shame that Kohli isn't a part of the series. He also stated it's a blessing in disguise for England as Kohli can take the game away from the opposition.

"You always want to play against the best players. And it's been a shame that he's (Kohli) not been a part of the series. We have had some great battles over the years. But not just for me, I think as a team you want to play against the best in theworld, and he certainly is that," Anderson told JioCinema.

Kohli ranks at the top when it comes to the best cricketers in the world. For Anderson, it was a challenge to bowl at Kohli over the years, a battle that the right-arm English pacer enjoyed. "I guess English fans will be thankful he's not playing because he's such a quality player.

"But from our point of view you want to test yourself, you want to come up against the best, and he's been someone who I've found really challenging to bowl at over the years, and it's a shame he's not been playing," the pacer added.