Anderson relishing competition

James Anderson pledged to maintain his standards - and his place in the England side

James Anderson admits England’s attack will be “looking over their shoulders” as they prepare for the npower Test series against South Africa.

Anderson is one of four seamers named in the squad for the opening Test at Lord’s, which gets under way on Thursday.

He, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett may be in pole position at the moment, but Anderson is well aware that competition for places is fierce.

Andrew Flintoff is pressing for a return to England colours as he continues his recovery from ankle and side injuries and Simon Jones has shown glimpses of his best form, while Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison have underlined their intention to win their place back in the side.

Rather than become anxious at the prospect of losing their places, however, Anderson revealed the competition from Flintoff and other bowlers has motivated England’s attack to raise their levels of performance.

“I think we regard it as an extra incentive,” said Anderson, who claimed 19 wickets in the recent home series victory over New Zealand, including a career-best haul of 7-43 in the final Test at Trent Bridge.

“There’s not just Fred [Flintoff] knocking on the door but there’s also Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones now back bowling well and players like Sajid (Mahmood) and Liam Plunkett desperate to get back into the side.

“You’ve got all these guys taking wickets regularly so you know you’ve got to keep doing the same if you’re going to keep your place.

“It’s not just Fred we’re looking over our shoulders at, although he’s obviously the biggest of the lot trying to get back.

“We know he’s there but he’s a completely different bowler to me so I’m just going to have to continue what I’m doing and if they pick him ahead of me then that’s out of my hands.”

England are in the fortunate position of having a long list of bowlers who have international experience trying to regain their place in the current Test side.

Worcestershire pace bowler Simon Jones is among those pressing for a return to international colours

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Hoggard and Harmison were dropped during the winter and England have named the same side in the five Tests since, while both Flintoff and Jones are returning to form after long-standing injuries.

Younger players like Mahmood and Plunkett are also making a case for inclusion while uncapped players such as Durham’s Graham Onions remain in contention to increase the pressure on those currently in the side.

Anderson said: “When we’re in the dressing room we all look at each other’s counties to see how they’re getting on so we all know who’s doing well and what other people are doing.

“I’ve been in the same situation as them when I’ve gone back to Lancashire and I had to bowl well and take wickets consistently for my county to try and get myself back in the team.

“I’ve been in their position and I know how they’re feeling and how frustrating it is when you can’t get back into the team.

“But all of them who are trying to get back into the team are my mates. I’ve been on tours and played with them so I hope they do well. I just hope I do better than them to keep my place.”

He added: “We were talking the other day about how the four pace bowlers from the 2005 Ashes are now all back bowling again, fit and taking wickets.

“From mine, Stuart’s and Ryan’s point of view we’re hoping they don’t get the chance to bowl again together for England. If we do keep them out of the team that obviously means we’re doing well which has to be a good thing.”