James Anderson all set to return to Test squad

England veteran bowler James Anderson has declared himself fit and in good shape as he tries to reclaim his place in England’s Test squad this summer.

Anderson was dropped by England for their tour of the West Indies earlier this year, despite a few brilliant performances during a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia over the winter.

With the recent appointments of Brendon McCullum as coach and Ben Stokes as captain, Anderson is in contention to return to the Test line-up for England’s three-match series against New Zealand next month.

Anderson may have the most Test wickets of any seamer in cricket history, but the seasoned right-arm bowler isn’t taking anything for granted ahead of an expected team announcement later this week.

“I don’t want to be counting my chickens, I want to make sure I am bowling well, taking wickets and in good form if and when that call comes,” Anderson told Sky Sports.

“For most of the year, I have been thinking about trying to start the season well for Lancashire and preparing for that.

“I feel in good shape, in good form, so I am happy with the way things are going and I will be absolutely delighted if I do get back into the team.”

Anderson’s return will be crucial for an England team that currently sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, having won only one Test in the previous 12 months.

Anderson has been in good form for Lancashire in recent County matches, taking 11 wickets at an average of 19.54 and an exceptional economy rate of 1.83.

Joe Root was one of Anderson’s victims, with the former England captain being clean bowled on the final day of Lancashire’s tied match against Yorkshire.

When selectors opted to leave Anderson at home for the Caribbean trip, Root was still in command of England, but the experienced right-arm bowler maintained there was no resentment between him and the former captain.

Anderson said he had swiftly recovered from his disappointment at being dropped and had focused all of his efforts on helping Lancashire perform well at home.

“The way things have been going over the winter, I set my mind on trying to bowl well for Lancashire and put in performances that selectors would take note of,” he said.

“I am just keeping my fingers crossed for later in the week as it is something that every cricket player wants to do is play for England.

“So, if that call came I would be absolutely delighted.”

Anderson’s prospects of being recalled have been enhanced by the revelation that fellow pacer Saqib Mahmood would miss the entire summer.

Mahmood, who made his Test debut against the West Indies earlier this year, has been suffering with back trouble recently, and the England Cricket Board said on Monday that the right-armer would be out for a long time.

Anderson and fellow veteran Stuart Broad are expected to be called up to face New Zealand after Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, and Matt Fisher joined a long list of injured England seamers.

England v New Zealand Test schedule:

First Test: Lord’s – June 2-6
Second Test: Trent Bridge – June 10-14
Third Test: Headingley – June 23-27

For the latest Sports News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest Sports News on oldsite.bolnews.com