Anderson may cut workload after World Cup exertions

Anderson’s importance with red or white ball is undeniable, standing alone as England’s most prolific one-day wicket-taker and just four scalps away from usurping Sir Ian Botham’s Test tally.

But at 32, and just back from a series of niggling injuries, he is aware that he may soon be tempted to sacrifice one format to preserve his threat in the other.

With the forthcoming World Cup an obvious watershed, Anderson may be tempted by retirement from the 50-over format – or at the very least strip back his availability – to offer greater time for rest and recuperation.

New ODI captain Eoin Morgan would be eager to retain Anderson’s services for as long as possible, the Lancastrian having marked his first one-dayer since September with a brilliant 4-18 against India on Tuesday.

A nine-wicket win at the Gabba revived England’s Tri-Series hopes following defeat to Australia, but it is the big prize that is dominating Anderson’s thinking at the moment.

Questioned about his future plans, Anderson said: “I’ve not looked that much further than the World Cup. I want to concentrate on this, and then maybe review it at the end of the World Cup...see where my body is in terms of tiredness.

“I’m sure it’s something we’ll discuss at the end of the World Cup, but at the moment I’ve worked hard to try and get fit again and I feel in a really good place fitness-wise.”

Having blown away India convincingly at the Gabba, England get a second crack at Australia in Hobart tomorrow.

England Lions drew their second unofficial Test, and the series, against South Africa A as James Vince made a superb unbeaten century.

Resuming 61 ahead on 212-4, the tourists reached 402-7 with Vince 152 not out before the teams shook hands on a draw in Bloemfontein.

The Hampshire batsman was 61 not out overnight, having put on 115 with captain Jonathan Trott on day three of four, but he lost his partner Jonny Bairstow in the seventh over with just 15 added to the score.

But Bairstow’s Yorkshire colleague Adil Rashid (32) joined Vince in a stand of 81, while Liam Plunkett added 13.

Vince batted for six hours and 38 minutes in all, facing 291 balls.