New Zealand vs England: James Anderson praises England fast bowling options | ‘We can win anywhere in the world!’ | Cricket News

James Anderson believes England have the fast bowling options to “win games in any situation” around the world.

England’s leading Test wicket taker is now in New Zealand preparing to face the Black Caps in a two-match series, starting on Friday.

Along with Anderson, England’s bowling unit for New Zealand saw Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, and Olly Stone return to the crease. Ollie Robinson also retained his place after impressing in Pakistan.

Jofra Archer has stepped up his recovery from a long spell, while Mark Wood has been rested, but Anderson believes England have an excellent pace option for a busy 2023, including this summer’s Ashes.

“To be able to bring these guys back into the squad after Mark Wood in Pakistan, and with Jofra back fit, it feels like we’re building a real good bank of fast bowlers who will be able to win games in any situation anywhere in the world, “said Anderson on Monday, as Cyclone Gabrielle forced preparations for the first Test indoors.

“I think whether you’re young or old, guys always keep you on your toes. I mean Broady keeps me on my toes, we’re constantly pushing the net.

“At the minute, Ollie Robinson is probably one of the best bowlers in the world for me. He just doesn’t miss, can swing it both ways, nips it, bounce – it’s a comfortable one bowler that men don’t want to face in the net here. Every people keep you on your toes and the standards are very high.”

Anderson: Baz ‘furious’

Anderson returned to New Zealand almost 15 years after playing for Auckland against Wellington in the Country Championship.

The seamer had gone through a barren run of form and carrying drinks for England during the first Test, but bowled himself into form for Auckland, taking seven wickets.

He was called up for the second Test after England lost the first match and took five wickets, including 4-118 in the first innings, as England won the series 2-1.

“It was great for me, it was a great decision. I bowled a lot of overs – it didn’t set the world alight – but I got into a good rhythm to play the next Test.

“Baz [McCullum] brought up another day. He was fuming at the time. Apparently all the New Zealand teams were fuming with Auckland. It was huge for both of us.

“And it’s not just the way we play, but with (Matthew) Hoggard and (Steve) Harmison it’s been a big part of England’s success – the 2005 Ashes and Harmy being No 1 in the world.

“He is a senior bowler and we took that place gave him the confidence to go on and try to emulate him. We never looked back.”

Although Anderson bounced back with Auckland in 2008, he does not think Steve Smith’s short-term deal with Sussex before the Ashes will have the same impact on Australia.

“You’ll have to ask Baz about that, I haven’t spoken to him yet. But I don’t mind,” he said.

“I don’t think it will have any effect on the result of the Ashes. Steve Smith playing county cricket will not have a bearing on how many runs he gets in the first Test.”

Anderson: Test cricket should be played with the red ball

England have failed to win a Test series in New Zealand since 2008 and will look to continue their impressive Test form from 2022 but have a poor record with the pink ball.

The first match was a day-night match and England convincingly lost all overseas Tests with the pink ball. Anderson echoed Robinson’s sentiment, describing it as a “gimmick”.

“People here do not like well-built balls. They are plastic, do not shine, do not scuff to reverse. I like the red ball and I think that Test cricket should be played. “he said.

“I’m old and a traditionalist I guess, but it’s not something you really look forward to, the day/night game. I don’t know who benefits from it.

“I’m not a big fan but it seems we can’t talk about the type of cricket we’re playing, so we’ve got to come here this week and try to win the game.”