The public will support a government decision to strike even if the strike is not a one-off like the 1981 IAF strike that destroyed Iraq's Osirak reactor.
But he managed to land some blows of his own - a majestic strike over mid-wicket for six off Chawla the highlight - as he added 50 in 66 balls with Bell.
Anelka slipped but regained his footing to lay the ball off to Essien, whose 20-yard strike took a slight deflection off Emmerson Boyce on its way to goal.