Bowler legend Jimmy Anderson on Wednesday said he looks forward to playing the remaining four Ashes Tests after being included in England’s 12-man squad for the second Test against Australia this week.
Test cricket’s finest pace with 632 wickets was controversially left out of the visitors’ squad for the series opener in Brisbane, where he fell by nine wickets within four days.
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But he confirmed that he is back in the squad for the clash under the lights in Adelaide from Thursday, where the extra pace he gets with the pink ball should suit his game.
“I wanted to be available here for five (Tests) and that doesn’t change now, I want to be available for the next four,” the 39-year-old said.
“I think the interval between the next few Tests, it might be a little easier to get that rest in between and make sure everyone is refreshed, but that is out of my control.
“If I am selected tomorrow, I will have to do my best.”
Anderson’s non-selection along with fellow leading strike bowler Stuart Broad for Brisbane created distrust among pundits and cricket fans.
Whether or not Broad was also in the 12-man squad for Adelaide won’t attract Anderson.
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While he admitted to being disappointed not to play in Brisbane, he also said that he could see the bigger picture as he was at the end of his career.
“All I can do is prepare as much as I can and stay fit and I’ve definitely managed a little more over the years, to try and make sure I stay fresh for a long series, The veteran of 166 Tests said.
“So it’s something I’ve got used to anticipating over the years. I’m just trying to make sure my bowling is as good as I can, my fitness is as good as it can be and If the captain wants me to play, I will be there for him.
England squad for second test: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, David Malan, Ollie Pope, Olly Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.
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