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This article was first published 12 years ago

Anderson returns to happy hunting ground

Last updated on: July 27, 2011 21:43 IST

Image: James Anderson during a practice session
Photographs: Reuters Bikash Mohapatra

A look at the bowlers' honours board at Trent Bridge appears ominous for Team India, ahead of the second Test, beginning Friday.

The last on the list is the player who hastened the downfall of M S Dhoni's team in the second innings of the opening Test at Lord's.

When James Anderson last played in a Test at the Nottingham venue -- against Pakistan last July -- he took 11 wickets, including six for 17 in the second innings to dismiss the visitors for a paltry 80 and help England to a comprehensive 354-run triumph.

And, that's not all. As one's eyes move upwards, Anderson's name appears again and again -- four times to be precise.

The bowler, three days short of his 29th birthday, has captured a whopping 28 wickets in just four Tests (@ 15.89) at Trent Bridge.

Helpful conditions

Image: James Anderson
Photographs: Getty Images

Asked the reason for his success at the venue and Anderson's reply came in just two words.

"It swings!"

On being goaded for a detailed explanation, the bowler obliged, albeit offering a few more words.

"It is helpful here when it swings. And it generally does. But one can't go into a match thinking about it," he said.

Anderson said the second Test would mean a fresh start.

"It is nice to play on a ground where you have been successful before," he explained, adding, "But on Friday I wouldn't be thinking about my past successes here. I will just try to bowl well."

'I didn't bowl well in the first innings at Lord's'

Image: James Anderson

The only other ground where Anderson has taken more wickets (43 in 10 Tests) is Lord's. And his five-wicket haul (five for 65) on Monday was yet another addition to his impressive statistics at the home of cricket.

"In the first innings at Lord's I didn't bowl pretty well," admitted the bowler.

"I bowled pretty wide; I bowled a pretty good length though. So I knew if I hold my length and bowl a better line, then I could cause some damage.

"That I could make the adjustment in the second innings pleased me."

'I enjoy responsibility'

Image: James Anderson

Anderson's seven-wicket match haul helped him move up to second in the ICC Test rankings.

And the bowler surprised by saying he relished his role in the England team.

"I quite enjoy responsibility of leading the England attack, setting the tone with the first over of the innings," he explained.

"I don't feel it as pressure but consider it as a responsibility," continued Anderson, adding, "Yes, I would love to be the No.1 Test bowler one day.

"But, at the moment, I am just concentrating on the job I have to do in this series."