New Zealand v England: Anderson not thinking about 300th wicket
New Zealand v England: James Anderson won't be distracted by the prospect of getting his 300th Test wicket in Auckland
James Anderson insists that he will not be distracted by prospect of becoming the fourth England bowler to take 300 Test wickets against New Zealand in Auckland.
The 30-year-old Lancashire star is just five wickets shy of emulating Ian Botham, Bob Willis and Fred Trueman, who are all members of the 300-club.
Anderson has managed to take just seven scalps in the rain-affected drawn Tests in Dunedin and Wellington, and is concentrating on improving that tally as opposed to reaching a personal milestone.
“It would be a huge achievement. But first of all, I’ve got to get some wickets,” he said.
“I think two is the most I’ve got in an innings on this trip. I’m aware of it. But it’s something once I get into the game, I won’t be thinking about.”
Anderson’s fitness has been a worry for the tourists after he required medical attention for a stiff back in Wellington, but the bowler is adamant that the adrenalin of playing in the final Test means he will be firing on all cylinders.
“When you’ve got just one big Test left, you always manage to find something a little bit extra in the tank – knowing we have got a few weeks off when we get home,” Anderson added.
“I feel OK. The rain probably helped in the end, getting an extra day off.”
England need to win in Auckland to secure a series victory after drawing the opening two Tests with the Black Caps.
