Anderson confident to overcome a tough SA challenge – Cricket News Update
England’s premier pacer, James Anderson, says that the upcoming battles against South Africa might be the toughest his side has had to face in recent times but remains confident of overcoming them by performing from the outset.
"We've been playing really well at home, but this is going to be our toughest challenge for a while," Anderson said. "But we are still confident going into it. We think we have the necessary weapons to be able to beat them. That's the way we go into most series; thinking we are going to win.”
While the jury may be out over the team’s sub-continent credentials but at home, the Poms have been lethal. They have seven home series win under their belt – prominent being the Ashes, the infamous Pakistan series, the 4-0 whitewash inflicted to India – since 2008, with the last defeat coming at the hands of Proteas when they lost the four-match series by 2-1.
However, a lot has changed since that time, most notable being the successful partnership of skipper Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower following the highly controversial stint of Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores.
In a four-year period leading up to the current challenge, England has assembled arguably the most formidable group in their history, with match-winners in both departments. Despite the early year glitch, where they suffered a 3-0 loss to the Men in Green at UAE, they have slowly got back into the groove and their home form is simply breathtaking.
However, the upcoming bouts present a stern test for the no. 1 side with the Proteas looking to dethrone them from their current status. The tourists themselves are packed with proven performers, with the likes of Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers complimented by Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
With little to choose, Anderson knows that his side cannot afford to take the foot off the pedal and will need to come out all guns blazing from the word go.
"There's not going to be time to ease into the series. We're going to have to be on top of our game from the first minute. It's going to be an intense few weeks and it's good that they're not going to be back to back Tests, as it's going to be really hard cricket,” he added.
The 3-match Test series begins with from July 19th at the Oval.
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