Anderson wants to make it big in Tests

Sharjah: Corey Anderson, who has scored the fastest century in one-day internationals, has the reputation of demolishing the opposition in the shorter formats, but the New Zealand allrounder wants to make it big in Tests as well.

“Test is something which I really love and enjoy. It is the real battle. It’s probably one of my favourite facets of the game,” Anderson, who smashed a delightful 80 to help New Zealanders gain a 29-run lead in a three-day warm match against Pakistan A, told Khaleej Times after the end of second day’s play at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

“If I can do what I did today for New Zealand in the Tests against Pakistan, then that will be pleasing.” After bowling out Pakistan A for 215, the Kiwis went on to declare their innings at 244 for eight. Anderson, who had a century and a half century from seven Tests at an average of 32.70, is pleased by the way the team performed here so far.

When asked whether their performance against Pakistan A, who had defeated Australia in a four-day match at the same venue last month, would be a confidence booster ahead of the first Test in Abu Dhabi, he said: “Massively. The Pakistan A are a quality side. We knew they have taken down Australia. They have got some players who can do a lot of things. What we’ve done for the last couple of days with the ball and bat was good. Now one more day to finish it off and we would be ready for the first Test.

“It is nice to have a bit of test in the middle. Obviously they have done a lot of damage over the past couple of weeks against Australia but we’ve got our plans and hopefully it works our way,” he added.

While talking about his half century, Anderson said: “It was nice to have spent some time in the middle and it helped us adapt to the conditions which were not familiar to us. It is nice to get some few runs on the board.”

Anderson, who claimed 11 Test wickets so far, would be looking at bowling in shorter spells during the Tests here. “The bowlers will have short spells here, trying to bring a lot of energy I guess. It is tough conditions for us but I think the guys have got used to the heat.”