England - High hopes from James Anderson in the upcoming Ashes
After a brilliant display in the first innings at Trent Bridge against Pakistan, England is hoping that James Anderson will come up with similar performance in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. Anderson’s control over the ball is being reviewed as a potential threat to Australia’s chances of winning the Ashes later this year. According to Andy Flower, England’s coach, James Anderson can be a potent force during the forthcoming tour, despite the adverse conditions for swing bowlers; Anderson’s bowling speciality.
Anderson was instrumental in England’s huge victory over Pakistan in the initial Test of four-Test series. His career-best figures, 11 for 71, helped the Brit enjoy an unprecedented success with a margin of 354 runs. Pakistani batsmen looked helpless as Anderson single-handedly reduced http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 to 80 runs. He took 6 wickets for 17 runs in the second innings. Anderson is expected to be in the rampage mode again, when two sides meet at Birmingham for the second Test. The conditions in Midlands will perfectly suit the variety Anderson has to offer. After his match’s winning display at Trent Bridge, England’s Captain Andrew Strauss highly regarded his seamer. According to Strauss, “There is no one better in world of cricket than Anderson, when it comes to swinging the ball.”
However, Anderson is subject to the charge that he is not capable of bowling on tracks that do not offer movement. This charge has been hunting Anderson throughout his Test career. Considering his weakness, his chances to making it to the Ashes are quite low, especially when the weather and the balls used by Aussies do not offer much assistance to Anderson. Australians use Kookaburra ball which offers less movement compared to Dukes brand used in England. To make matters worse, Anderson’s performance in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Gilchrist-c918 won’t be there this time to battle them.
Andy Flower is optimistic about Anderson’s prospects in ‘Down Under,” keeping in view his recent stats. Talking about http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lancashire-c806 bowler, he said, “It was a superb performance. We know what he can do when the ball swings. But what if it doesn’t? Isn’t this a question every bowler like him faces? If Muralitharan had to come across a glass-like pitch he would be less effective than he is while bowling at Galle. That is the same for any bowler; they have conditions that suit them more one day than the other.” He emphasized on the fact that Anderson is still in learning process and with passage of time, he will improve further. He said, “Anderson is learning certainly. He is a better bowler than he was. He is a very experienced bowler now, and we do rely a lot on him.”
Flower was also impressed by the performance of the newcomer, Steve Finn. Finn is dubbed as next Glenn McGrath and is considered a major threat to Australian batsmen in the Ashes. Former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Young-c41367 man.” Steve Finn is just 21 years old. Flower also praised Eoin Morgan, whose timely knock saved England from a batting collapse. He commended Morgan for showing composure under pressure and keeping his emotions intact.
The English team is hoping to focus on gaining momentum in the upcoming matches against Pakistan, as they prepare themselves for Ashes Down Under. With recent performances and plethora of talent at their disposal, England could go with full confidence against the Australians at their home soil.
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