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Anderson spurred by Newlands memories
08:45, Nov 25 2009
James Anderson is preparing to return to the scene of one of his most memorable performances for England.
The fast bowler was only months into his international career - with barely a year of first-class cricket behind him - when his pace and swing mesmerised Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup at Newlands. Figures of four for 29 brought him a man-of-the-match award and England a 112-run victory - and the 27-year-old still recalls the occasion with great pride.
"It was a brilliant day for me," he remembered, as he relaxed between England's opening one-day international victory over South Africa at Centurion and their next match on Friday at Newlands.
"I'd only played a few games for England by then. It was the first game my family managed to see me play for England - which made it even more special. Then to get man of the match topped off a fantastic day for me."
Anderson has had his ups and downs since. But with 118 ODI matches - and 42 Tests - on his CV, he is established as the leader of England's attack.
"I was just running in and enjoying the moment back then, not really thinking about too much and not really feeling any of the pressure," he said.
"Now it's a little bit different. There's a bit of extra pressure."
Part of that pressure is expectation, and many presume it will fall to Anderson to strike the big blows for England this winter.
Among them will be the task of regularly unseating South Africa's captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith.
"Being the captain, he's a true leader and a real key to their batting order," he points out. "If we can get him out early - which we did the other day - it really opens up the rest of the batting order."
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