Anderson: Draw is main priority
Anderson has taken six wickets in the match
Sunday, 12, Aug 2007 08:45
James Anderson insists England's main priority is saving the match after needing 444 to win the final Test against India at the Oval.
Anderson claimed two wickets as India declared on 180-6, setting a world record 500 to win.
Openers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook remain at the crease as England closed on 56-0.
India allowed Paul Collingwood's side back in the game after a sluggish batting display and then delaying their declaration.
England need a win to save their record of never losing a home Test series since 2001.
Anderson said England would only launch an assault for victory if they have enough wickets remaining, despite needing a win to square the series.
"We bowled superbly in tough conditions and I thought we did really well, Anderson said.
"Looking to Monday, we're just going to bat as long as we can and see if we have wickets in the tent come tea.
"Now we just have to bat for as long as possible and see where it takes us. We're not thinking about winning this match right now."
The highlight of the day was Anderson splattering Sachin Tendulkar's (1) stumps with a ferocious delivery that left India on 11-3.
India recovered with Sourav Ganguly making 57 while skipper Rahul Dravid made a bizarre innings of 12 off 96 balls after more than two hours at the crease.
Anderson, 25, said England's inexperienced bowling attack deserved credit with Collingwood and Chris Tremlett taking two wickets apiece.
"It's always good to get someone like Sachin out, and it's even better when you see his stumps lying all over the place," Anderson said.
"I felt my line and length was a little too inconsistent in the first innings, but I worked on a few things and I was in much better rhythm this time round.
"We were a man down without Ryan Sidebottom [side strain] so a lot was on the shoulders of myself and Chris Tremlett, as well as Paul Collingwood as first change.
"But we stuck to our guns and the day couldn't have gone much better for us really."