Ashes 2013: England’s Anderson plays down talk of series whitewash
Ashes 2013: England bowler James Anderson says the hosts haven't turned their thoughts to a series whitewash
James Anderson insists England haven’t turned their thoughts to a potential Ashes series whitewash ahead of the third Test against Australia at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Alastair Cook’s men were victorious at Trent Bridge and Lord’s, meaning the hosts are on the brink of a series triumph after winning the second Test by an emphatic 347 runs.
But Anderson rubbished the suggestion England are already thinking about winning 5-0 after two lacklustre Australian batting displays.
“It [a whitewash] is not something we are really focusing on,” Anderson told the ECB’s website. “We played really well in the first two games and our job is to improve on that.
“It has gone well for us so far. We are very conscious of not getting ahead of ourselves. We have to concentrate on winning this game and not looking too far ahead in the series.”
Anderson also revealed that he is looking forward to playing at his home ground Old Trafford after the Ashes tour skipped the venue in the 2009 series.
“I am very exited about it. I have not played an Ashes Test here before,” Anderson added.
“There have been a few requests from tickets and hopefully I can keep everyone happy.
“I was fortunate to get to one of the days here in 2005 and the atmosphere was incredible.
“The ground looks amazing, the redevelopments have made huge improvements and come Thursday it will be an incredible atmosphere and something we are all looking forward to.
“The whole region is cricket-mad and to get an Ashes Test back is a huge thing for the area.”
