Anderson: Welcome competition

It's not just Fred we're looking over our shoulders at, although he's obviously the biggest of the lot trying to get back.

James Anderson
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James Anderson has vowed to fight off the competition spearheaded by Andrew Flintoff as England prepare to take on South Africa.

Despite an eye-catching return to action for Lancashire, the England selectors opted against selecting Flintoff for Thursday's opening Test at Lord's.

However, Flintoff's 18-month spell without appearing in a Test match looks like coming to an end sooner rather than later, putting extra pressure on the current squad to perform in the forthcoming four-match series.

Rather than becoming anxious at the prospect of losing their places, however, Anderson revealed the competition from Flintoff and other bowlers has motivated England's attack to raise their game.

Desperate

"I think we regard it as an extra incentive," said Anderson, who claimed 19 wickets in the recent home series victory over New Zealand including a career-best haul of 7-43 at Trent Bridge.

"There's not just Fred (Flintoff) knocking on the door but there's also Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones now back bowling well and players like Sajid (Mahmood) and Liam Plunkett desperate to get back into the side.

"You've got all these guys taking wickets regularly so you know you've got to keep doing the same if you're going to keep your place.

"It's not just Fred we're looking over our shoulders at, although he's obviously the biggest of the lot trying to get back.

"We know he's there but he's a completely different bowler to me so I'm just going to have to continue what I'm doing and if they pick him ahead of me then that's out of my hands."

Increased pressure

England are well stocked for pace options with a long list of bowlers who have international experience currently on the county circuit.

Ashes heroes Hoggard and Harmison were dropped during the winter and England have kept faith with the same side in the five Tests since, while both Flintoff and Jones are returning to form after long-term injuries.

Younger bowlers such as Mahmood and Plunkett are also making a case for inclusion while uncapped players like Durham's Graham Onions remain in contention.

Anderson said: "When we're in the dressing room we all look at each other's counties to see how they're getting on so we all know who's doing well and what other people are doing.

"I've been in the same situation as them when I've gone back to Lancashire and I had to bowl well and take wickets consistently for my county to try and get myself back in the team.

"I've been in their position and I know how they're feeling and how frustrating it is when you can't get back into the team, but all of them who are trying to get back into the team are my mates.

"I've been on tours and played with them so I hope they do well - I just hope I do better than them to keep my place!"