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Cricket

Anderson happy with England's opening-day rhythm

16/05/2008

Fast bowler James Anderson was full of praise for the entire England attack after they enjoyed a solid first day in the opening Test against New Zealand.

The Lancastrian was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3-42 in helpful conditions at Lord's.

Good contributions from fellow paceman Stuart Broad (2-70) and spinner Monty Panesar (1-15) helped restrict the Black Caps to 208-6 at the close of play.

It could have been much worse for the tourists without a superb run-a-ball 97 from number five batsman Brendon McCullum.

But Anderson believes having the middle-order star out of the way, and just Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram standing between England and the tailenders, will stand the team in good stead heading into day two.

"I felt good, I've started the [county] season pretty well and continued that rhythm," he told Sky Sports at the close of play.

"I think all of the bowlers had a good spell for their counties and got some good rhythm under their belts, which stands you in good stead for such an important series."

Although he was pleased with his opening burst, which featured the early wickets of both New Zealand openers Jamie How and Aaron Redmond, Anderson believes there is still room for improvement.

"I got into a rhythm pretty early on and had a pretty good start," he said.

"Maybe I bowled a bit short throughout the innings, but as a whole we did pretty well."