Anderson eyes victory

James Anderson straps his left ankle © Getty Images

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James Anderson is hoping to savour a significant triumph in the final Test against New Zealand after fearing his comeback for England could be cut short by a freak injury.

The Lancashire seamer enjoyed a stunning return for the second Test at Wellington, claiming five wickets in the first innings after England decided to replace senior bowlers Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison.

But with victory in their sights, Anderson twisted his left ankle playing football and feared his participation on the final day at the Basin Reserve and potentially the final Test could be halted by the injury.

He was able to get through that final day as England triumphed by 126 runs to level the series and is now ready to spearhead the tourists’ bid to claim a series triumph.

“We knew we had to improve quite a bit from the first Test and we did that, but I think we can still improve quite a bit more,” said Anderson.

“The catching is one area to improve on, and there are others, too. When batsmen get in its important for them to get big scores and when bowlers are on top they need to go for the kill.

“But we’re happy with the way the second Test went generally. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves but we’re pretty confident and it would be great to come from behind and win the series - not many teams do that over three games, especially away from home.”

Should England achieve that feat over at McLean Park it would be all the more sweet after Anderson’s recall looked set to be cut short after twisting awkwardly on the fourth evening of the game.

James Anderson bowls for the first time since the Wellington Test match © Getty Images

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“It was certainly a worry the night I actually did it,” he admitted. “I didn’t get much sleep that night because it was quite painful through the night and I remember in the morning it was pretty stiff and it took a while to get going and I guess a few painkillers and a bit of strapping did the trick.

“We said at the start of the final day that I just had to get on with it. I knew I was probably going to feel a bit of pain, but I had to go out there. “I didn’t even have the ball at the time so it was a bit of a freak thing - I was just trying to turn and my studs got caught in the ground.”

Anderson took part in practice on Thursday and is hopeful the ankle will improve before the start on Saturday as he attempts to cement his place in the side over a lengthy period of time.

“It’s probably not 100 per cent still. It felt a bit stiff today after having two days off, and travelling yesterday probably didn’t help, but hopefully it will gradually loosen up again with another practice session tomorrow.

“I was very pleased with the way the Test went. I guess I was a little bit surprised to get the nod but once that happened I just wanted to show what I could do and make a claim to stay in the side.”

With both Hoggard and Harmison desperate to reclaim their places, Anderson faces stiff competition already which may intensify further following the successful return of Lancashire team-mate Andrew Flintoff to bowling action.

Flintoff claimed 2-9 in five overs as Lancashire beat Sussex during a pre-season tournament in Dubai with his first competitive bowl since undergoing his fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle.

“It’s great news, great for him,” added Anderson.

“I saw him over Christmas and all the lads back in Lancashire say how hard he’s been working on his fitness.

“The sooner he can get back bowling at his best the better. It would be nice to think he’s fit and well for the start of the championship season next month.”