Fit-again Anderson does not want to rush himself

The devastation Corey Anderson can cause in the short format makes him an indispensable part of the Black Caps. As the visitors look to bounce back against India, the return of Anderson and pacer Tim Southee bolsters hope.

Returning from a back injury, Anderson looked good during the three-hour practice session on Friday. The 25-year-old, who has the highest strike rate for a New Zealand cricketer in ODIs, said the weather was like at home and the team was itching to hit the straps.

“Sitting home watching the Test guys play throughout that series, it’s obviously tough to watch them. It is what it is, it’s a tough place to tour and this is a completely new series and format. We’ve been here through the T20 World Cup. We have been a pretty successful one-day side in the last couple of years. I guess we are going to try and keep that going. Every game is important in the series and we want to make sure we hit the ground running and put up a good fight,” said Anderson.

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After a long batting session, Anderson bowled in the nets but clarified that his role for the next few matches would be limited to batting. “I am slowly working on my bowling in the background. I think that’s one of those things where there is no timeframe. I am focusing on my batting. That will be my main job,” he said.

Anderson has been waylaid by injuries the past one year. He injured a finger in the 2015 IPL, and a back injury ruled him out of the Zimbabwe and South Africa tours.

Although it was frustrating to sit out, the time out helped him analyse his game.

“You don’t really want to sit out again. But I had to do it. Doing that I guess gives you time to reflect on things and see where you can get better and those kind of things. I’ve been basically working to get my fitness and strength up and not have a date in mind. It’s exciting to be back, with the group and in India,” he added.