There is considerable buzz here around Corey Anderson ahead of the IPL auction.
Tim Southee was asked a question at a press conference, “How does it feel to have Corey around for just five minutes and knowing that he is going to get richer than all of you?”
Indeed, Anderson has made his big moves this year.
The strongly built 23-year-old Christchurch-born cricketer is looking forward to the auction. “It would be interesting. Have no preferences, would like to play for any team,” he said.
Ambitious Anderson is ambitious. “I want to be the No. 1 all-rounder in the world. That’s the aim,” said this southpaw who can smash sixes at will and send down lively left-arm medium pace.
Asked about his world record 36-ball ODI hundred in Queenstown against the West Indies on New Year’s day, Anderson replied, “It was a crazy day out for me. Actually, there was rain and we thought we would never play the match.”
He has powerful forearms and strong wrists, but Anderson felt, “Timing is as important as power. I like hitting straight.”
Anderson is also someone with the ability to change his approach. If he thwacked the Indian bowlers to distant corners in the ODI series, his first innings 77 in the Auckland Test saw him blend caution with aggression.
“You need to bat differently in Tests. Situations change. In Tests, you got all day to bat,” he said.
Anderson realises he has to improve his bowling to get to the next level. “I am trying to become fitter and stronger, my workout regimen is important. My bowling is about running in hard and bowling with the older ball. I need to learn more about operating with an older ball.”
Significant impact New Zealand’s pace bowling coach Shane Bond, he said, had a significant impact on his bowling. “He is brilliant at what he does. He reads the game so well.”
Anderson said healthy completion for places in this New Zealand side had pushed players to perform better. “You are always looking over your shoulder for the guy who is going to knock you over.”
Queried about New Zealand’s string of victories at home this season, Anderson said, “Winning is a habit. We have to be consistent.”
Then, there is Anderson’s premier goal next year. “I want to play a major role in the ODI World Cup here. I think we have the team to win.”
