James Anderson (cricketer)

Infobox cricketer biography
playername = Jimmy Anderson


country = England
fullname = James Michael Anderson
nickname = Jimmy, Jim, Jimza, Daisy [cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/06/09/schugh109.xml |title= James Anderson's search for perfection |author=Simon Hughes |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk Online |date=9 June 2008 Retrieved on 26 June 2008.]
living = true
dayofbirth = 30
monthofbirth = 7
yearofbirth = 1982
placeofbirth = Burnley
countryofbirth = England
heightft = 6
heightinch = 2
role = Bowler
batting = Left-handed
bowling = Right-arm fast-medium
international = true
testdebutdate = 22 May
testdebutyear = 2003
testdebutagainst = Zimbabwe
testc

lasttestdate = 7 August
lasttestyear = 2008
lasttestagainst = South Africa
odidebutdate = 15 December
odidebutyear = 2002
odidebutagainst = Australia
odic

odishirt = 9
lastodidate = 3 September
lastodiyear = 2008
lastodiagainst = South Africa
club1 = Lancashire
year1 = 2002–present
clubnumber1 = 9
deliveries = balls
columns = 4
column1 = Tests
matches1 = 29
runs1 = 246
bat avg1 = 13.66
100s/50s1 = 0/0
top score1 = 34
deliveries1 = 5,906
wickets1 = 104
bowl avg1 = 34.51
fivefor1 = 5
tenfor1 = 0
best bowling1 = 7/43
catches/stumpings1 = 13/–
column2 = ODIs
matches2 = 97
runs2 = 124
bat avg2 = 6.20
100s/50s2 = 0/0
top score2 = 15
deliveries2 = 4,725
wickets2 = 127
bowl avg2 = 30.38
fivefor2 = 0
tenfor2 = n/a
best bowling2 = 4/23
catches/stumpings2 = 26/–
column3 = FC
matches3 = 81
runs3 = 491
bat avg3 = 9.44
100s/50s3 = 0/0
top score3 = 37*
deliveries3 = 14,499
wickets3 = 291
bowl avg3 = 28.78
fivefor3 = 13
tenfor3 = 1
best bowling3 = 7/43
catches/stumpings3 = 35/–
column4 = LA
matches4 = 145
runs4 = 215
bat avg4 = 8.95
100s/50s4 = 0/0
top score4 = 15
deliveries4 = 6,925
wickets4 = 196
bowl avg4 = 28.02
fivefor4 = 0
tenfor4 = n/a
best bowling4 = 4/23
catches/stumpings4 = 34/–
date = 20 September
year = 2008
source = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/10/10687/10687.html CricketArchive

James Michael "Jimmy" Anderson (born 30 July 1982 in Burnley, Lancashire) is an international English cricketer. He plays first-class cricket for Lancashire County Cricket Club and since bursting onto the scene in 2002/03, before his first full season of county cricket, Anderson has represented England in 24 Test matches and 86 One Day Internationals.

A right arm pace bowler, Anderson made his international debut at the age of just 20. On England's 2002/03 tour of Autralia, Anderson was drafted into the squad from the England A team due to an injury crisis. When he played his first ODI he had only played five senior one day matches. Anderson went on to feature in the 2003 ICC World Cup and made his Test match debut against Zimbabwe at Lords the next summer. Later in 2003 he experienced a dip in form and confidence against South Africa. After this he was in and out of the team and experienced numerous injuries, including a stress fracture of the back which kept him out of action for most of the 2006 season. He returned to action and features regularly in England's Test squad. He is a regular strike bowler in England's one day team.

Early and personal life

James Anderson was a pupil at St Theodore's RC High School, Burnley. He played cricket at Burnley Cricket Club from a young age. His childhood dream was to be a cricketer, and at the age of 17, after a growth spurt, Anderson was one of the fastest bowlers in the Lancashire League.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/133792.html |author=Emma John |title=Lessons in life |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=19 September 2003 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He stated that "I've always bowled seam, but when I was about 17 I don't know what it was but I just started bowling fast all of a sudden".cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/2282874.stm |author=Scott Heinrich |title=Anderson on fast track |publisher=BBC Online |date=31 December 2002 Retrieved on 26 June 2008.]

Just months after his international debut he had become one of the biggest stars in English cricket. Continued alteration of hair styles, attractive looks, and up-to-the-minute outfits earned him comparisons with some of the most recognisable sport personalities around, including David Beckham. He is a supporter of Arsenal FC and says he clashes with his Burnley FC supporting family. [cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=493782&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=TV+Online:+England+cricketer+James+Anderson |title=TV Online: England cricketer James Anderson |publisher=Arsenal.com |date=10 July 2008 Retrieved on 13 July 2008.]

In 2006 he married his model fiancée Daniella Lloyd, whom he had met in 2004 while on England duty in London; he stated that marriage has made him "a much happier person". [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/story/313823.html |author=Emma John |title=How the pin-up grew up |publisher=Cricinfo.com |month=October | year=2007 Retrieved on 10 December 2007.] The service was at a church in Hale, with the reception at the Lowry Hotel in Salford. Guests included Andrew Flintoff, Paul Collingwood, Geraint Jones, Chris Read and Gareth Batty, along with some of Anderson's Lancashire team-mates. [cite web |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/236094.html |author=Cricinfo staff |title=Anderson ties the knot |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=7 February 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.]

Domestic career

Anderson made his first class debut for Lancashire in 2002; he played 13 matches and took 50 wickets at an average of 22.28, including three five wicket hauls.cite web |url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Lancashire/Players/10/10687/f_Bowling_by_Season.html |title=First-class bowling in each season by James Anderson |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He was awarded the NBC Denis Compton Award for Lancashiret's most promising young county player in the 2002 season.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/8608.html |title=James Anderson |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 29 May 2008.]

In 2003, Anderson became the youngest player to take a hat trick for Lancashire, just a week before his Test match debut against Zimbabwe; it was the first hat trick at Old Trafford in eight years. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/131313.html |title=Hat-trick for Anderson as Essex stumble at Old Trafford |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 May 2003 Retrieved on 26 May 2008.]

In a match against Worcestershire in May 2004, Anderson recorded his maiden first class ten wicket haul. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/140927.html |title=Anderson and Keedy take Lancashire top |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 May 2004 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.]

2005 was Anderson's first full season for Lancashire. He had been propelled into the England side soon after his Lancashire debut and had returned to rediscover his form after winter tours with England where he had spent the majority of his time on the sidelines, and when given a chance for England he often bowled poorly due to a lack of match practice. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/220383.html |title=Cooley backs Anderson for Pakistan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=28 September 2005 Retrieved on 30 May 2008.] He finished the season with 60 first class wickets at an average of 30.21 and 27 one day wickets at an average of 22.00.cite web |url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Lancashire/Players/10/10687/a_Bowling_by_Season.html |title=ListA bowling in each season by James Anderson |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 30 May 2008.]

Anderson was prevented from playing much for Lancashire in the 2006 season by a stress fracture of the back sustained in early May.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/245931.html |title=Anderson out for two months |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=2 February 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He played in only two matches for Lancashire, and at one point it had been considered sending Anderson to play for Glamorgan to prove his fitness; however, Lancashire decided they would rather have Anderson play for them if only in a limited capacity. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/259822.html |title=Anderson included in Lancashire squad |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=17 September 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] In the only first class match he played for Lancashire that season, he was limited to three four overs spells by the ECB who were wary of injuring him again. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/260182.html |title=Cork haul overshadows Anderson |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=21 September 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.]

In 2008, after the Test and one day series against South Africa ended at the beginning of September, Anderson was made unavailable to play for Lancashire for the rest of the season. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/current/story/367275.html |title=Harmison available for season finale |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=1 September 2008 Retrieved on 1 September 2008.]

International career

Under Fletcher

Early success

When Anderson was selected for the England one day squad, he had played only five list A matches, taking 9 wickets at an average of 26.75. [cite web |url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Lancashire/Players/10/10687/a_Bowling_by_Season.html |title=ListA bowling in each season by James Anderson |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] At the age of 20, he made his ODI debut on 15 December, 2002 against Australia at Melbourne. He opened the bowling and recorded figures of 1/46 from six overs. [cite web |url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/76/76049.html |title=Australia v England VB Series 2002/03; Melbourne Cricket Ground 15 December 2002 (50-over match) (day/night) |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He debut came before he was even awarded his county cap, which occurred in 2003. [cite web |url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Lancashire/Players/10/10687/10687.html |title=James Anderson |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He showed good promise in this series - a three-team tournament also including Sri Lanka - which earned him a place in the 2003 World Cup squad. It was here that he really broke into international cricket with a match-winning spell against Pakistan, where he took four wickets in day/night game to collect the Man of the Match award. But where there are highs, there are also lows. In what proved to be England's last match of the tournament he conceded 12 runs off the penultimate over against eventual world champions Australia and England lost a closely fought contest.

In the summer of 2003, he made his first Test cricket appearance against Zimbabwe at Lord's, and become the 17th Englishman to collect five wickets in an innings on debut. His success continued in the subsequent one day tournaments against Pakistan, (against whom he took a hat-trick at The Oval), South Africa and Zimbabwe. His hat-trick against Pakistan, the first by an English bowler in an ODI, claimed the wickets of Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/statsguru/content/story/129793.html |title=Anderson and Trescothick batter Pakistan to defeat |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=20 June 2003 Retrieved on 4 September 2008.]

The Test series against South Africa dented Anderson's reputation as England's "golden boy"; [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/124771.html |title=Don't panic! |author=Freddie Auld |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=6 August 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] in a series England drew 2-2 after coming from behind Anderson finished the five match series with 15 wickets at an average of 39.86.citeweb |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/player/8608.html?class=1;template=results;type=bowling;view=series |title=Statsguru - JM Anderson - ODI Batting - Career summary |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] His best figures of 5/102 came at Trent Bridge in the third Test where he used movement of the seam to claim his second five wicket haul in his fifth test. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/124964.html |title=Into the hands of fate |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=6 August 2003 Retrieved on 16 May 2008.] Although Anderson was England's lead wicket taker, [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=488;team=1;type=series |title=South Africa in England Test Series, 2003 - England averages |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] Graeme Smith – the South African captain – particularly punished Anderson's bowling, taking 157 runs at a strike rate of 90.23 off his bowling in the series and only being dismissed once. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/133550.html |title=As the dust settles ... |author=Rob Smyth |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=9 September 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] In August, despite a mixed series against South Africa, Anderson was named Young Cricketer of the Year; he became the first player to be unanimously voted the award. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/124942.html |title=Anderson voted Young Cricket of the Year |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=15 August 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] In September, Anderson was awarded a central contract with the ECB. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/133589.html |title=Anderson, Flintoff and Collingwood awarded central contracts |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=11 September 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] He suffered from a niggling knee injury and fatigue as the season wore on; the knee injury – to a tendon on the outside of his left knee – meant he was rested for the winter tour of Bangladesh. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/133938.html |title=Anderson to miss Bangladesh Tests |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=25 September 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.] After the South Africa series and some good performances by other bowlers during the Bangladesh tour, Anderson admitted that he was no longer an automatic choice for England.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/131870.html |title=Anderson – "I'm not an automatic choice" |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 November 2003 Retrieved on 28 May 2008.]

Anderson has an unusual bowling action, at the moment of delivery he has his head down, eyes closed and doesn't look where he is bowling; he attempted to bowl with his head up but found that he lost pace in doing so, so reverted to his original action. In 2003, ex-England pace bowler Bob Willis claimed that Anderson would only be able to play for five years with his action. Between 2004 and 2005, the England coaching staff attempted to alter Anderson's bowling action.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/346937.html |author=Andrew Miller |title=Anderson seeks consistency in England comeback |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=18 April 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] Anderson was selected in the one-day and Test squads for the winter tour Sri Lanka, but injuries left him able to play in only 1 of the 3 Tests on that tour. He bowled well below his potential to collect figures of 0-85 in his sole appearance.

low decline

Although fit and included in both the Test and one day squads for the tour of the West Indies, [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/137409.html |title=England name unchanged squad for Windies tour |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=7 January 2004 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] Anderson did not play in the Test series, having been superseded by players such as James Kirtley. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/134625.html |title=Anderson waits for his opening |author=Wisden Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=22 April 2004 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He did feature in a handful of the one day matches however, but did not do anything like his previous heroics. He still managed to retain his place in the Test squad, and his next big break came when an injury to Jones forced the Welshman out of the last 3 Tests of the 2004 summer series against the West Indies. Despite being in the eleven, Anderson hardly got enough overs, and barely took wickets. It was clear now that Anderson had now not only lost all his form and rhythm, but consequentially all his confidence as well. Perhaps that is why even despite his four-wicket-haul in the final Test of the summer, in which England had won all 7 Tests they played, he had not silenced all his critics, and his body language displayed a man devoid of confidence.

Despite poor performances, he again got selected for the winter tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa. Much of the post-season talk, however, was dominated by the "to go or not to go" Zimbabwe controversy. England eventually did end up in Harare, after a brief stop over in Namibia. Anderson once again struggled in his three one-day appearance. The England management, however, continued to show faith in his ability.

Travelling as a barely used reserve on the winter South Africa tour while seemingly struggling for form, Anderson was given another shot at redemption, after Simon Jones was dropped for the 3rd Test after a poor performance in the second. Anderson, though, did even worse than Jones, collecting figures of 2/117 and 0/32 in his two innings. Anderson spent the summer with Lancashire; bowling regularly a quota of overs one would associate with a new ball bowler, something he had not done enough in his England stint. He was recalled to the England squad for the last match of the 2005 Ashes series after taking 60 wickets for Lancashire in 2005, once again as a replacement for the injured Jones, but all-rounder Paul Collingwood was selected for the team. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/269504.html |title=Anderson learning a tough lesson |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=9 December 2005 Retrieved on 26 June 2008.]

Anderson was selected in the Test squad for the tour of Pakistan, but spinner Shaun Udal was chosen to fill the bowlers spot left empty by the still injured Simon Jones. When Ashley Giles had to miss the 3rd Test due to injury, young Durham debutant seamer Liam Plunkett was chosen ahead of Anderson. Despite this disappointment he played in all five of England's one day games in Pakistan, showing improvements in form to be England's joint-leading wicket taker in the series.

Return from injury

Not selected for the senior side's tour to India, Anderson was selected for England A's tour of the West Indies.

In February, days before the start of the first A-Test between England and the West Indies, James Anderson (along with Alastair Cook and Owais Shah) was called up as an injury reinforcement to the England senior squad in India, after captain Michael Vaughan and fast bowler Simon Jones flew home with knee injuries and vice captain Marcus Trescothick departed for undisclosed "personal" reasons. After an unconvincing display by Liam Plunkett in the 2nd Test in Mohali Anderson was recalled for the final match of the series. He impressed in England's victory, taking figures of 4-40 in the first innings.

After his impressive display in the final match in India, Anderson looked likely to feature as one of England's main bowlers in both the ODI series and Test matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka; however an early season stress fracture of the back ruled Anderson out for all of the summer internationals and all but two matches of his county season. Lancashire team mate Sajid Mahmood was called up to the England squad the replacement for Anderson. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/246404.html |title=Mahmood and Lewis earn call-up |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=8 May 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.]

Anderson was named in England's Champions Trophy and Ashes squads in September although at that point he hadn't played any first class cricket in six months. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/259631.html |title=Anderson set for Glamorgan loan |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=15 September 2006 Retrieved on 29 May 2008.] He was straight back into England colours for the 0-5 Ashes whitewash against Australia. His performance, like much of the England team, was well below standard. Anderson was sent home mid way through the one day tournament with Australia and New Zealand as a precaution when he felt a twinge in his back; [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/280451.html |title=Anderson builds up to bowling |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=15 February 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] during the tournament he had begun to regain some of his form and in the four matches he played he took 8 wickets at an average of 20.62. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/277652.html |title=Anderson cool over back stiffness |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=25 January 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] [cite web |url=http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006-07/OD_TOURNEYS/CBS/STATS/CBS_JAN-FEB2007_ODI_AVS_ENG.html |title=Commonwealth Bank Series, 2006-07 Averages |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 31 May 2008.]

2007 World Cup

Although Anderson was returned home early from the England's victorious ODI series in Australia, Anderson was selected in England's squad for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He recovered from his back injury and was expected to play ahead of the like of Liam Plunkett, Sajid Mahmood and Jon Lewis. However, on 14 March 2007, only days before England's first game, it was reported by the BBC that Anderson had broken his finger during fielding practice and his involvement in the tournament was in question, although he was able to play against the pain.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/285240.html |title=England delay Anderson decision |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=15 March 2007 Retrieved on 26 June 2008.]

Under Moores

Replacing the old guard

When Peter Moores replaced Duncan Fletcher as England coach after the World Cup, it was felt that Anderson would benefit under new management; along with the rest of the England team he was allowed to play more for his county. It was felt that it was not beneficial for players who were not representing England to just sit on the sideline and match practice would allow him to rediscover his form. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/295114.html |title=Moore's fresh outlook |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=22 May 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] Anderson did not feature in the Test series against the West Indies, but he did play in the ODI series. During the second ODI, he clashed with Runako Morton when he appeared to get in the way of Morton when the batsman was running between the wickets. Anderson was fined half of his match fee for the incident and match referee Mike Procter stated "James Anderson is not a player with a reputation for bad behaviour...and I am sure he will do everything he can to ensure there is no repeat of this unfortunate incident". [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6274274.stm |title=Anderson fined after Morton clash |publisher=BBC Online |date=5 July 2007 Retrieved on 22 August 2008.] Anderson finished the series with five wickets at 30.40 as England lost the series 2-1. [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=2870;type=series |title=NatWest Series [West Indies in England] , 2007 |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 22 August 2008.]

Anderson played in all three Tests of the series with India, coming into the side for the injured Matthew Hoggard and leading a pace attack comprising himself, Ryan Sidebottom, and Chris Tremlett with only 20 caps between them.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/303500.html |title=The drinks are on Jimmy |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=24 July 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] He became the first England bowler to dismiss Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly in the same innings. Although England lost the series, Anderson demonstrated greater consistency than before and managed 14 wickets, at 35.57 and getting the Man of the Series award. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/306970.html |title=The road to redemption |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 August 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] He also managed to get his name on the honours board at Lords for the second time with his best Test figures of 5/42. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/303038.html |title=Zaheer gives India hope after Anderson's haul |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=21 July 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] The ODI series which followed was England's first ODI series win at home in three years. Anderson was the leading wicket taker on either side with 14 wickets at an average of 22.57. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/310141.html |title=The Bell factor and India's bowling worries |author=Mathew Varghese |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=10 September 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] Anderson was also included for the England squad for the ICC World Twenty20 replacing an injured Ravi Bopara. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvind/content/story/309928.html |title=Anderson replaces Bopara for Twenty20 |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=7 September 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.] Following a successful summer, he was one of twelve players awarded a central contract for 2007/2008 by the ECB. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/310246.html |title=Prior misses out on central contract |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=10 September 2007 Retrieved on 31 May 2008.]

Anderson was part of the squad which toured Sri Lanka in the winter. The one day side completed their first ever series victory in Sri Lanka; Anderson's contribution was four wickets in five matches at an average of 48.25 and tying down Sri Lanka's top order along with Sidebottom and Stuart Broad, although they finished with more wickets at a lower average. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/314907.html |title=Collingwood's men confound expectations |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=10 October 2007 Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=3151;type=series |title=England in Sri Lanka ODI Series, 2007/08 |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] Despite suffering a bruised left ankle, [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/322999.html |title=Vaughan keeps his cards close |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=30 November 2007 Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] Anderson was selected for the first Test. Although he bowled economicly in the first innings, [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/slveng/content/current/story/323065.html |title=England's bowlers take the honours |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=1 December 2007 Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] he was expensive in the second; during the course of the second innings he become only the second bowler in Test cricket to have six boundaries taken off a single over. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/slveng/content/current/story/323473.html |title=Sri Lanka build lead on Murali's record day |author=Andrew McGlashan |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=3 December 2007 Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] He finished the match with figures of 15.4-3-39-1 and 23-4-128-1. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/slveng/engine/current/match/291222.html |title=England in Sri Lanka Test Series - 1st Test Sri Lanka v England |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 2 June 2008.] Anderson was dropped for the final two Tests and replaced by debutant Stuart Broad.

New Zealand

In the Spring of 2008, Anderson toured New Zealand with England. He played in the Twenty20 series, which England won 2-0, and he was then involved in the One Day series which New Zealand won 3-2. Although he played in all five matches of the one day series, he struggled and only managed four wickets at an average of 67.50. [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=3309;type=series |title=England in New Zealand ODI Series, 2007/08 |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] In an effort to regain some form, Anderson was allowed to join Auckland Cricket Club, who were lacking their strike bowlers as they have been called up to the New Zealand squad, as an overseas player. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/341134.html |title=Anderson links up with Auckland |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=5 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] The move was controversial with critics including Gavin Larsen, Wellington Cricket Club's chief executive, who feared that Anderson would be able to bowl himself into form. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/341178.html |title=Larsen slams Anderson deal |author=Cricinfo staff |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=6 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] Although he was left out for the first Test, Anderson was recalled for the second when he and Stuart Broad replaced the out of form Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard after England were defeated by 189 runs; the decision to axe both bowlers was heralded as the end of an era in English cricket. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/342058.html |title=Harmison and Hoggard axed by England |author=Andrew Miler |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=12 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] Anderson's selection was a surprise as it had been expected that Broad would replace Harmison, but not that Hoggard would be dropped. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/342386.html |title=Many thanks to Auckland |author=Andrew Miler |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] In the first innings of the second Test, Anderson took 5/73 and finished with match figures of 7/130 and helped England to a 126 run victory. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/342353.html |title=Anderson five puts England in control |author=Will Luke |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=14 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] He sustained an ankle injury while playing football before the third Test but recovered in time to be selected. Anderson's performance in the final Test was less effective, [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/343980.html |title=Sidebottom's transformation |author=Andrew Miller |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=26 March 2008 Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] recording match figures of 1/153 as England won the match by 121 runs and the series 2-1. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/engine/match/300444.html |title=England in New Zealand Test Series - 3rd Test New Zealand v England |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 3 June 2008.] Searching for consistency, Anderson's action has reverted to the one he used in 2003, one he feels comfortable with.

He was retained for the home series, when New Zealand toured England later in 2008. He continued to enjoy success against the touring side, taking 19 wickets at 19.31 and finishing as the leading wicket taker of the series. This was his highest return of wickets in a series. [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=3241;type=series |title=New Zealand in England Test Series, 2008 |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] Anderson bowled well in the first Test, recording match figures of 130/5 as the match was drawn. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvnz/content/current/story/351200.html |title=England make spirited response to New Zealand's 277 |author=Will Luke |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=16 May 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] In the second Test, Anderson finished with match figures of 5/139 as England won by six wickets; on the first day he struck New Zealand batsman Daniel Flynn in the face, knocking a tooth, in a spell of short, aggressive bowling when he also hit Jacob Oram on the helmet. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvnz/content/current/story/352057.html |title=Taylor responds in kind to England's aggression |author=Will Luke |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=23 May 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] Anderson was disconcerted by injuring Flynn said that striking him "wasn't pleasant". [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/7417778.stm |title= Flynn injury disconcerts Anderson |publisher=BBC Online |date=23 May 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] In the final match of the series Anderson scored a Test best of 28 in a partnership of 76 with Stuart Broad. [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7440617.stm |title=Kiwis reeling after Anderson haul |author=Jamie Lillywhite |publisher=BBC Online |date=6 June 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] This was followed up by career best bowling of 7/43 in the first innings and Test best match figures of 9/98 overall as he won the man of the match award and England secured an innings and nine run victory and a 2-0 series win. [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7442595.stm |title=England v New Zealand 3rd Test report |publisher=BBC Online |date=8 June 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] Anderson's performance in the series prompted England bowling coach Ottis Gibson to say that Anderson has the potential to become a world class bowler if he can improve his self-belief. [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7442595.stm |title=England v New Zealand 3rd Test reaction |publisher=BBC Online |date=8 June 2008 Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] In the one day series that followed Anderson managed five wickets from five matches at an average of 41.40 as England lost the series 3-1. [cite web |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=3245;type=series |title=NatWest Series [New Zealand in England] , 2008 |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 22 August 2008.]

After the Test series against New Zealand, Anderson's figures revealed that he struggled to bowl to left-handed batsmen and the his contrasting fortunes between the start of his career and his resurgence. By the end of June 2008, Anderson had played 25 Test matches; in the 16 Tests before July 2007 he took 46 wickets at an average of 38.39, but since then in 9 Test he took 43 wickets at 30.58 at a much lower strike rate.cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/354352.html |title=Splendid Anderson and his Achilles heel |author=S Rajesh |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=13 June 2008 Retrieved on 22 August 2008.] In the five Tests Anderson played against New Zealand in a four month period, 22 of the 27 wickets he managed were against right-handed batsmen. Against the right-handers he averaged 20.77 compared to 38.60 against left-handers. This was an improvement however on his career statistics, since he averaged 70 wickets at 29.11 against right-handers and 19 at 54.94 against left-handers. This first became clear in the 2003 Test series against South Africa when Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten milked him for 276 runs while only being dismissed once between them.

outh Africa

Anderson's batting showed a marked improvement in the summer's home Test series against South Africa. In the second innings of the second Test, at Headingley, Anderson scored a Test best 34 runs, having come to the crease as a nightwatchman late on day 3. In the course of his innings he was struck on the wrist and then on the grille of his helmet by Dale Steyn. [cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/361991.html |author=Andrew McGlashan |title=Ballsy batting, and a different sort of rearguard |publisher=Cricinfo.com |date=21&July 2008 Retrieved on 3 September 2008.]

Career records and statistics

Test matches

Man of the Series awards: [cite web |url=http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/10/10687/event_awards.html |title=Events for which James Anderson won an award (1) |publisher=Cricket Archive Retrieved on 29 August 2008.]

One-day Internationals

Man of the match awards:

Career performance:

References

External links

* [http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/10/10687/10687.html CricketArchive stats]
* [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/8608.html Cricinfo player profile]