Anderson provides WTC finalists with Lord’s blueprint

By Jonathan Healy, at Lord's

With South Africa boasting a pace attack that includes Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen and Australia likely to have the Big Three of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and the ever-consistent Josh Hazlewood in their line-up, the battle between the fast bowlers from both sides is likely to be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the one-off Test.

James Anderson has collected a total of 123 wickets at Lord's across 29 Test appearances at the iconic London ground, and the former England quick passed on some advice to the respective teams before the Ultimate Test commences on Wednesday, 11 June.

"Here is definitely somewhere you need to pitch the ball up," Anderson said during an interaction for the DP World Beyond Boundaries event at Lord's on Monday.

"A lot of people talk about the top of off stump being the ideal length, but I think here it's more three-quarters up the stump.

"That way you are a little bit fuller in length, so that's my advice for the seamers."

Three of the top four players on the ICC Men's Test Bowler Rankings will be in action during the World Test Championship Final, with Rabada (second), Cummins (third) and Hazlewood (fourth) currently the closest challenges to India pacer Jasprit Bumrah on the list for Test bowlers.

Anderson said Rabada remained one of his favourite bowlers in the world and believes his battle with Australia veteran Steve Smith could well decide which team lifts the mace.

"The main one for me will be Rabada against Steve Smith and I think that could be a really good, interesting battle," Anderson said.

"Steve Smith is one of the best batters in the world and Kagiso Rabada is one of my favourite bowlers to watch.

"I think he's got so many attributes that just make me want to tune into the TV and watch him. He's a fantastic player, so I'm really looking forward to that battle."

Anderson thinks the decision by South Africa to have fellow England great and long-time teammate Stuart Broad join the Proteas in a consulting role prior to the one-off Test could prove a wise call.

"I think it's a smart move from South Africa," Anderson noted.

"He's someone who's had great success in English conditions and he knows Lord's in particular.

"He knows the ground very well, he's had success here and I think he can give a lot of information and advice to the South African team which will be great from their point of view."