Anderson to stay on as vice-captain

CRICKET CHRIS OSTICK ENGLAND have decided to retain Jimmy Anderson as vice-captain instead of handing the role back to Ben Stokes for two Tests against New Zealand.

Lancashire seamer Anderson replaced Stokes in the role for this winter’s Ashes once it became clear the all-rounder would not be available.

Stokes missed the 4-0 defeat to Australia while he waited to which starts in Auckland next week.

Speaking after England’s practice session in Hamilton, for two warm-up matches over the next four days, Red Rose star Anderson told BBC Test Match Special: “I’m delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series.”

As in Australia, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker stressed that the extra responsibility will have no major bearing on the way he conducts himself.

“Being a vicecaptain doesn’t make me behave any differently in the dressing-room or on the field,” said Anderson.

“It doesn’t change my role in the team a huge amount.

“I see myself as a senior player and I’m there for people if they need advice.

“Certainly if Joe needs help on the field, I’m there for him.”

Anderson is the elder statesman of an England attack which he and Stuart Broad have led for much of the past decade.

He added: “I know what my job is for the team – I’ve got to take wickets with that new ball, create pressure during the middle periods as well, try to take wickets and help the other bowlers out as well.

“It’s a big group effort when we go on the field, so it’s important that we get that right.”

‘I see myself as a senior player, I’m there for people if they need advice’