James Anderson will begin the Test summer of 2013 with a sense of impending history weighing perhaps just a little uncomfortably on his shoulders.
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No 'rocket-surgery' there then, but Anderson does at least voice a simple and accurate summary of where England stand after their mixed-bag winter of historic success in India and then pride marginally salvaged only in the last-ditch defiance of Auckland. Likewise, he is succinct about that third century.
"As for the 300 Test wicket mark, I can't wait to get there - because it will mean people stop talking about it," he said. "It's a big milestone, but stuff like that is for the end of your career to look back on and brag about."
Before then, hope springs eternal at the start of a new season for a bowler with plenty of miles on the clock but a youthful enthusiasm which belies his outward demeanour.
"Even though we play all year round, there is something about the start of the English summer that is very exciting," he said. "I feel the same as I did when I was 20.
"I maybe feel better than I have, well, ever. It still hurts at times. You get niggles, but you learn to cope with it a bit better."
For that, Anderson is prepared to credit the pragmatic 'rotation' policies Test coach Andy Flower and his management staff employ to try to keep England's most prized resources in best working order for the most important assignments.
It is a topic which has vexed Anderson in the past - most notably when he was rested against West Indies at Edgbaston last year.
His acknowledgement of a necessary evil is becoming noticeably less grudging, though.
"I get managed really well - we all do since this rotation thing started," he said.
"Obviously it helps having the depth in the squad to be able to do it, but it's going to be crucial and it's going to prolong players' careers.
"It's trying to get your best players fit for the big series. They really do take care of us."
Anderson has spent plenty of time already returning the favour, but knows much of England still expects and is banking on another hundred or so wickets before he is done.
