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James Anderson planning England's great escape against South Africa

James Anderson of England reacts whilst bowling during day four of the 4th Test at Supersport Park on January 25, 20
Image: James Anderson is confident he can produce one of his trademark rearguard actions for England against South Africa

James Anderson is confident he can produce another of his trademark great escapes as England look to bat out the final day of the Test series in South Africa.

The seamer has been present during some of England's most memorable rearguard actions of recent years, memorably shutting out Australia alongside Monty Panesar at Cardiff in 2009 as well as featuring in England's last tour of South Africa and again in Auckland three years ago.

England are staring down the barrel at Centurion, on 52 for three in pursuit of 382, on a pitch with unpredictable bounce and plenty of turn for the spinners.

Paul Collingwood and Graham Onions ensured a stalemate with England nine wickets down on the same ground six years ago and Anderson believes the mind-set in the away dressing room is perfect for another get away.

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James Anderson told Ian Ward that he expects the England batsman to remain positive as they battle for a result on the fifth day of the final Test against South Africa

"We'll be giving it a good go," he said after England's top three fell in 21 awkward overs before stumps.

"Obviously it will be a tough task for us - especially on that pitch, which we've seen plenty of deterioration on. But we're going to give it a good go and be positive about it.

Obviously it will be a tough task for us - especially on that pitch, which we've seen plenty of deterioration on. But we're going to give it a good go and be positive about it.
James Anderson

"The batsmen we've got left are positive naturally, just in attitude and character.

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"It's not just the way people go about scoring runs it's actually positive in the fact we've got people who know they can bat a whole day in a Test. We've got the skill to do it.

"We'll need a bit of luck as well on a pitch like that, we've seen bit of variable bounce and bit of spin as well but we have to be as positive as possible."

Anderson began day four in memorable fashion at SuperSport Park, dismissing Stephen Cook early and then sending home captain AB de Villiers packing with probably his best ball of the tour, a classic full-pitch inswinger.

In his pre-match press call De Villiers had seemingly suggested Anderson had "lost some pace over the years", so consigning him to a third successive duck was a matter of personal pride.

"It was nice to get the captain out," he said when asked about taking the wicket of AB de Villiers.

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Watch this stunning one-handed catch from Morne Morkel on his follow through to dismiss Alastair Cook

"I'm sure the smile on your face is referring to the comments that he made before the game, which were mentioned in the huddle, so yeah, it's nice to get him out early because he's a dangerous player."

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