Seamers stake their claim

Sidebottom wary of wounded Kiwis

By Ben Sullivan   Last updated: 13th May 2008

Stuart Broad England v New Zealand 3rd Test Mar 08

Broad: expected to play

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England's seam bowling attack has been talking to Sky Sports News ahead of the first Test against New Zealand.

Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom have all been named in the 12-man squad for Lord's and one is expected to miss out on Thursday morning.

That will probably be either Lancashire's Anderson or Yorkshire's Hoggard, although only Ryan Sidebottom can be certain of his place.

Hoggard was dropped for the last two Tests in New Zealand this winter and England went on to overturn a 1-0 deficit and win 2-1.

He has been bowling well for his county this season but admitted: "It is a massive challenge trying to get my place back.

"There is nothing more that I want to do than pull on those three Lions and walk out in front of a packed house at Lord's.

"It is a magical feeling and one that I want to experience again."

Five-fors

Anderson did play in the second Test win over New Zealand but struggled in the third at Napier. He is hoping his record at HQ will earn him the nod.

"I enjoy playing at Lord's," he said. "It generally swings here. I have taken a couple of five-fors the last two times I have played here so I really enjoy bowling here."

Nottinghamshire seamer Broad is expected to play but is taking nothing for granted. "The selectors will make their choice," he said. "It is an exciting prospect, having the strength in depth that England have in fast bowling at the moment.

"To have the likes of Harmison, Onions and Tremlett not in the squad and pushing hard at the moment - it is fantastic and keeps the standard high, which is what the whole of English cricket wants."

Competitive

England's Player of the Year Sidebottom is not underestimating the Kiwis.

"It is a big game for us," he said. "It was a tough series for us in New Zealand and they are a very competitive side. They will be working hard to win.

"They have got a lot of new guys and they will be looking to cement a place in the team.

"By no means are we favourites. We don't see it like that and we need to play well and be consistent."