NOTTINGHAM: James Anderson insisted he was prepared for more hard work in pursuit of Ashes glory after leading England to a nailbiting 14-run win over Australia in the first Test at Trent Bridge.
Anderson bowled 13 unchanged overs in Sunday’s morning session, taking three for 29 on his way to innings figures of five for 73 and a match return of 10 for 158 as Ashes-holders England went 1-0 up in this five-match series.
Anderson’s match figures were his best in Test cricket since he took 11 for 71 against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2010.
“I had the nerves going a little bit but I love bowling here, it’s been good to me over the years and I’m happy that I could pick up some more wickets,” said Anderson.
Anderson, long the linchpin of England’s attack, admitted that maintaining a workload similar to Sunday’s stint across an entire series would be tough.
“If I’m bowling 13-over spells it’s going to be difficult! But it’s Ashes cricket...That’s why we do the hard work in the gym -- to get out there and bowl long spells.
“As soon as I got the ball I felt in control and I wasn’t nervous because I knew what I was doing and I knew I could get that final wicket,” added Anderson.
“We knew it was going to be difficult this morning, their tail is very strong so we knew we had to bowl well. But I found some rhythm this (Sunday) morning which the captain cottoned on to and gave me 13 overs so I’m just delighted.”
Meanwhile, with the second Test at Lord’s starting on Thursday, England great Ian Botham urged Anderson be “wrapped up in cotton wool”.
“Anderson is a captain’s dream,” Botham told Sky Sports.
“He deserved to pick up that last wicket. I remember those dark days when the coaches decided to change his action -- it was ridiculous.
“The guy is a natural bowler and it’s all his own action. He’s worked hard on it,” added Botham.
“He’s just terrific and I think England need to wrap him up in cotton wool, he needs to sit and do nothing and slowly wind up for the next Test on Thursday. Let him rest!” REUTERS
