Veteran English closer James Anderson reckons they have the bowling attack to succeed in any conditions in the world. The 40-year-old observed that England have a great fast bowling unit who motivate each other to do better.
While England’s closers are undoubtedly incisive in serviceable conditions, they also showed their muscles on lifeless pitches in Pakistan. The likes of Mark Wood, Anderson and Ollie Robinson all played critical roles in creating a 3-0 sweep.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Anderson feels that having Stuart Broad, Olly Stone and Matthew Potts back in the squad shows England’s depth in the fast bowling unit. The Lancashire closer admitted that everyone is fighting tooth and nail over the stains.
“To be able to bring these guys back into the team after having Mark Wood in Pakistan, and with Jofra coming back to fitness, it looks like we’re building a good bench of fast bowlers who will be able to win games in any conditions at any time.” part of the world. I think whether they’re young or old, guys always keep you on your toes. I mean, Broady keeps me on your toes, we push each other in the nets all the time.”
He reserved special praise for Ollie Robinson, revealing how much they hate facing the towering closer in the net.
“Right now, Ollie Robinson is probably one of the best bowlers in the world for me. He just doesn’t miss, he can swing it both ways, he slices it, he bounces – he’s comfortably the one bowler guys don’t want to face at the networks here. Everybody keeps you on your toes and keeps those standards really high.”
Robinson marked his return from a longstanding back injury in the home series against South Africa, taking 12 scalps in two tests. The right-arm closer also picked up nine wickets in the three Test series against Pakistan.
“They are laminated, they don’t shine, they don’t scratch back” – James Anderson on the pink ball
Anderson shared Robinson’s sentiments that Test cricket should only be played on the cherry red as the pink balls are not ‘well constructed’. He stated:
“The ones here don’t feel like a well-constructed ball. They’re sticky, don’t shine, don’t wear down to go back. I love the red ball and I think that’s how Test cricket should be played. I’m old and a traditionalist , I guess, but it’s not something you really expect, a day/night game. I don’t know who benefits from it.”
England have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2008 and lost 1-0 when they toured in late 2019.