Strauss comes to out-of-form Anderson''s defence

Bangalore, Feb 28 (PTI) James Anderson might havereturned the worst bowling figures by an Englishman in theWorld Cup but skipper Andrew Strauss remains confident aboutthe pacer rediscovering his form in the coming matches of themega event.

Andreson''s 1/91 in 9.5 overs against India yesterday wasthe worst bowling performance by an English bowler in WorldCup, overtaking Derek Pringle''s none for 83 against the WestIndies in 1987.

India posted a mammoth 338 in the match and Englandmanaged to tie the game riding on Strauss'' brilliant 158-runknock.

Strauss said it would be unfair to write off Andersonjust yet.

"Opening the bowling out here is hard work, and bowlingmost of your overs in powerplay is not easy," Strauss said ofAnderson.

"Jimmy''s got a lot of skills. Anyone who writes a guy ofthat quality off is pretty naive."

Anderson has been struggling for form, going wicketlessfor 72 runs in his 10 overs against the Netherlands in theopening match.