James Anderson Thought he had seen it during an England career of nearly two decades but the Test team’s transformation under the new coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes The veteran seamer has been taken by surprise.
England dethroned New Zealand to chase down targets of 277, 299 and 296 and completed a 3-0 series whitewash of the world Test champions in their debut series under McCullum and Stokes.
Anderson, who has played a record 171 Tests since his debut in 2003, said he has created a completely different atmosphere in the team.
The 39-year-old told British media, “I’ve never been in the dressing room before when we’ve chased 300 on a turning pitch and everyone’s so calm we’re going to chase them.”
“This for me, after 20 years of playing international cricket, I had never seen before… As a bowler, I don’t want to think of anyone like that. The confidence that our batsmen have got at the moment is fearless. Huh.
“This belief can go a long way, especially with the young players we have. Trying to develop their confidence and experience, that will do wonders for them.”
Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker in Tests, missed the third Test with an ankle injury but hopes to return against India at Edgbaston on Friday in a re-arranged Test from last year’s five-match series.
“I hate missing games,” Anderson said. “The feeling around the group after that game at Headingley is so good that you want to be around it as much as possible.
“The ankle feels great and I have a few days to practice. If I can do that, hopefully I’m good for Friday.”
England dethroned New Zealand to chase down targets of 277, 299 and 296 and completed a 3-0 series whitewash of the world Test champions in their debut series under McCullum and Stokes.
Anderson, who has played a record 171 Tests since his debut in 2003, said he has created a completely different atmosphere in the team.
The 39-year-old told British media, “I’ve never been in the dressing room before when we’ve chased 300 on a turning pitch and everyone’s so calm we’re going to chase them.”
“This for me, after 20 years of playing international cricket, I had never seen before… As a bowler, I don’t want to think of anyone like that. The confidence that our batsmen have got at the moment is fearless. Huh.
“This belief can go a long way, especially with the young players we have. Trying to develop their confidence and experience, that will do wonders for them.”
Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker in Tests, missed the third Test with an ankle injury but hopes to return against India at Edgbaston on Friday in a re-arranged Test from last year’s five-match series.
“I hate missing games,” Anderson said. “The feeling around the group after that game at Headingley is so good that you want to be around it as much as possible.
“The ankle feels great and I have a few days to practice. If I can do that, hopefully I’m good for Friday.”