[Sport] James Anderson focusing on the here and now ahead of big year for England

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James Anderson focusing on the here and now ahead of big year for England
England begin what could be a bumper year of cricket with a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month

As James Anderson prepares for his 20th year of international cricket, the enthusiasm remains great ahead of a 2021 schedule that could see England play up to 17 Tests.

That’s not unexpected. The last year was good to the 38-year-old, even though it started with injury against South Africa in January. A return to fitness - thanks in part to the pandemic - saw him finish with 23 wickets in the calendar to become the first English bowler to reach 600 in his career.

However, with the carrot of an Ashes series in Australia in the distance, Anderson must first negotiate a tour where he boasts his worst record.

Sri Lanka may be a beautiful country to tour, but it’s never been particularly welcoming of pace bowlers, and England’s most successful is no exception. It is here where his bowling average is at its highest: a bloated 46.08, far ahead of his 35.43 in Australia. On his last visit in November 2018, he took just one solitary wicket across four innings as the spinners Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach did the heavy lifting to secure a 3-0 win.
This time around, another holding role is expected of Anderson, as with rest of the quicks Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Olly Stone. The onus will be put back on Moeen and Leach, while the off spin of Somerset’s Dom Bess joins them instead of Rashid’s leg spin. That, however, has not impinged Anderson’s outlook.

“I think there’s still excitement there,” said Anderson. “They’re obviously difficult tours for seamers. But it doesn’t make it less exciting; it’s just a different challenge.

“Going on the last couple of tours, spin has been a huge part of a success. The wickets have really suited the spinners, but we have a good pace attack here. You’re still in the game. There are still opportunities to take wickets. There’s reverse swing; the new ball