James Anderson: I’ve bowled better than I ever have before

Monday, December 17, 2012
10:41 AM

James Anderson was awarded the man of the match award after taking four for 81 in India’s first innings and finished with 12 wickets in the series.

He came into his own during the third and fourth Tests by mastering reverse-swing after a relatively quiet start in India.

The 30-year-old always believed he would have a key part to play, refusing to rely on the spinners who normally prosper on the sub-continent.

“When we come over here, people think that spinners are going to get all the wickets but we knew that the seamers had a job to do over here,” he said.

“We really wanted to show people we can do a job here and I really think we have.

“I’ve bowled better than I have before. Reverse-swing has been a key part of us doing well.

“We’ve really practised it in the nets and in the games we’ve had leading up to the series. I think we executed our plans really well in the game.”

Anderson also profited from bowling shorter spells.

“You’re only going to bowl three or four overs in a spell so being able to give it everything, it really helps you and you also get quite a long rest with the spinners we’ve got as well,” he added.