James Anderson: “I’m delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England pace bowler James Anderson will keep hold of the vice-captaincy over all-rounder Ben Stokes for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

The move comes after England skipper Joe Root recently revealed that he would have a talk with head coach Trevor Bayliss about whether Stokes should return as vice-captain for the New Zealand Test series.

Anderson was named vice-captain for the Ashes series, which England lost 4-0, as Stokes was left out the squad following his alleged involvement in a street fight outside the Mbargo nightclub in Bristol last September. Stokes has since been charged with affray, but has pleaded not guilty.

While Stokes is set to make his Test comeback in the series against New Zealand, he will miss England’s Test match against India at Lord’s in August due to his trial.

Speaking about being retained as vice-captain, Anderson, as quoted by Sky Sports, told BBC Test Match Special : “I’m delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series.

“Being a vice-captain doesn’t make me behave any differently in the dressing-room or on the field. It doesn’t change my role in the team a huge amount.

“I see myself as a senior player and I’m there for people if they need advice. Certainly, if Joe needs help on the field, I’m there for him.

“I know what my job is for the team – I’ve got to take wickets with that new ball, create pressure during the middle periods as well, try to take wickets, and help the other bowlers out as well.

“It’s a big group effort when we go on the field, so it’s important that we get that right. Again in the dressing-room, it’s trying to get people relaxed and ready to play Test cricket.”

The two-Test series between England and New Zealand begins with a day-night Test in Auckland on March 22.