England veteran James Anderson admits that he has never been a part of a team environment where every player was so calm and confident while chasing big targets.
The 39-year-old, who has been playing cricket at the highest level for the last 20 years, said that the current England side under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes is something he has never seen before in his career.
The era under the leadership duo of Stokes and McCullum is only three matches old, but it has captivated the world. Anderson, who has played under several managements with six different head coaches and eight captains, admitted that he has never been a part of a dressing room with such belief.
England chased down the target of over 250 on three consecutive occasions against New Zealand to seal the series by 3-0. Their most awe-inspiring achievement was their run-chase of 299 in just 50 overs at Trent Bridge, where Jonny Bairstow smashed 136 off 92. England capped off the series by chasing 296 at Headingley in just 54.2 overs.
“I have never been in a dressing-room before when we have chased 300 (299) on a pitch that is turning and everyone being so calm, believing we were going to chase them down. That for me, after 20 years of playing international cricket, I had never seen before,”
“You always get a few jittery people but one to 11 and the staff included were just calm and believed. I think that belief can go such a long way, especially with the young players we have got. We’re trying to develop their confidence and experience, I think that will do wonders for them.”
Anderson said, as per Sky Sports.
Anderson featured in the first two matches of the series against the Black Caps and claimed 11 wickets at 18.63 apiece. He missed the third game but is set to return for a clash against India at Edgbaston from July 1, in conclusion of last year’s series which India leads 2-1.
Stokes’ captaincy has also been impressive along with their fearless approach. But England will have a tough challenge to keep up against a strong opponent like India.
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