‘I’ve got this' - James Anderson reflects on decisive over in fourth Ashes Test
- Michael Graham
- 10 January 2022
England star reveals what was going through his mind as he attempted to guide England to a draw in Sydney.
James Anderson says he always felt condifent of batting England to a draw in the fourth Ashes Test once Australia were denied their seam attack.
The 39-year-old is not renowned for his batting, but he survived the final over to guide England to a battling stalemate in Sydney.
England had been set a total of 388 to win. That was again beyond them, although a draw at least prevented the humiliation of a whitewash.
However, Anderson has revealed he never felt in much danger with part-time spinner Smith bowling at him before England escaped at the end of the final day at 270-9.
"There was a moment when the umpires said it was too dark to bowl seam," Anderson told the Tailenders podcast.
"It was then I thought 'I've got this. Spin is my absolute niche'. I absolutely love facing spin.
"I felt quietly confident going out there. If Pat Cummins had been bowling you'd have seen a lot more of the whites of my eyes.
"The minute I got out there Stuart Broad was telling me what to do - 'get a big stride in, smother the ball, don't let the bounce beat your bat'.
"I was like 'it's alright mate, I've played before, it's fine'."
Anderson also revealed what he said to Smith at the end of the match, after fluffing his lines with the final delivery.
"Five balls from Steve Smith, he landed them really well, but the sixth - I don't think Steve would begrudge me using the word 'pie'," Anderson added.
"When I shook his hand I said 'what was that?' He said 'the pressure got to me'."
