Jimmy: I can get better after sizzler (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Jimmy: I can get better after sizzler

9:36am Monday 30th November 2009

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James Anderson’s maiden five-wicket haul put England on course for an easy victory over South Africa at St George’s – yet he admits it is far from the best he has bowled for his country.

Burnley-born Anderson’s 5-23 helped to hustle the hosts out for only 119, and – with an unbeaten 52 from Jonathan Trott – England then sauntered to a seven-wicket victory with more than 18 overs to spare to go 2-1 up in the one-day international series.

With only one more match to play – and that in Durban, where a welter of rain is forecast this week – England have an obvious chance of a second successive series victory over these high-profile opponents in this format.

Anderson’s personal achievement came in his 120th ODI, against a country who rarely lose at home – and as he recovers from both an ongoing right knee injury and a stubbed toe on his left foot.

But the Lancashire paceman said: “I think I've bowled better and got less rewards. It was just one of those days where catches went to hand.

“It was nice to get a wicket that was a little bit conducive to seam bowling - and thankfully, I made the most of it.

“I bowled a few wicket-taking balls. But it was more the pressure we built up as a unit.

“Tim Bresnan’s spell was fantastic from the bottom end, and Stuart (Broad) got an early breakthrough as well – which was a huge help.”

In fact, it was a day when most things fell for England – including a coin that presented home captain Graeme Smith with the decision of whether to bat or bowl.

He acknowledged afterwards only a slight doubt before choosing the former. But it was a move that backfired.

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