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Andrew Strauss has saluted his bowlers after England’s clinical seven-wicket victory over South Africa, just two days after a 112-run mauling in Cape Town. The architect of the turnaround was James Anderson, who took a career-best 5 for 23 to rip through South Africa.

Anderson started with a wild delivery down the leg side, and had figures of 3-0-15-0 before turning in two devastating spells of fast bowling. “Jimmy was outstanding with how he built pressure but also bowled wicket-taking deliveries,” Strauss said, “but today was a day for the bowling unit as a whole and they complemented each other very well.”

Anderson’s performance eased concerns over his troublesome knee which has required strapping during the early weeks of the tour and he is confident it won’t be a further problem. “If it’s getting better while I’m playing I’m pretty confident it will just continue to do so,” he said. “It’s not a concern at all once I’ve started bowling.”

“It seems to be getting better. The practice sessions, I’m taking reasonably lightly – and I’m getting it strapped up in a game as well. The way we are managing it, it is gradually getting better – and I hope it can continue.”

The win gives England an unbeatable 2-1 lead heading into the final ODI and came on the back of a remarkable effort from the bowlers, who had leaked 354 runs in Friday’s ODI.

“The key was to start well and it was a good toss to lose if I’m honest. But I was pleased with how the bowlers reacted to the conditions,” Strauss said. “You have got to adapt quickly and make sure that if there’s anything in your favour then you use it. I think we did that today.”

After being smashed for 55 runs in seven overs in the third ODI, Anderson was thrilled with his Man-of-the-Match performance. “We had a chat after the last game because we didn’t bowl as well as we could have done,” Anderson said. “We wanted to come here and bowl a lot better and, luckily, we got a wicket that helped us with our plans.”

England have had an excellent run against South Africa since last year, winning seven out of the last eight completed games. Victory in the fifth ODI in Durban on December 4 will hand them the series.
Source:Cricket News

Image Source:Cricinfo

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