Brilliant World Cup showing will be hard act

JAMES Anderson believes England and Australia have a tough act to follow when the Ashes series gets under way next month.

The first Test starts at Edgbaston on August 1 with English cricket still in a state of euphoria after the thrilling World Cup final win against New Zealand. England’s record wicket-taker Anderson said: “I just hope that it’s an entertaining series first and foremost for people watching. We’ve got a lot to live up to after that World Cup. If we can make it entertaining cricket, that’s what both sides want to do, play entertaining, positive cricket. I just hope it’s a good series for people.”

Anderson watched in awe as Eoin Morgan’s one-day side held their nerve to win the World Cup for the first time, but believes an Ashes series is the ultimate challenge in Test cricket.

“For both teams, if you asked both sets of players, they will say the Ashes is the pinnacle for them in Test cricket,” he said.

“There’s always some added spice around it, some extra bit of niggle and stuff like that on the field, which is really exciting and makes for good viewing.”

Anderson, who will be 37 two days before the first Ashes Test, will embark on his ninth series against Australia.

His 575 Test wickets are the more than any other pace bowler and place him fourth on the all-time list. England’s World Cup star Jofra Archer is hoping to makes his Ashes bow at Edgbaston - he was rested against Ireland due to a side strain - and Anderson will relish the chance to help nurture his talent.

“As a senior player in the team you see that as your job anyway,” Anderson added.

“That’s something that’s happened for years.

“If a young guy comes into the team you try and help them settle and