ENG vs NZ 2022 | James Anderson hails new team atmosphere under McCullum

The Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era began on a bright note for England as the hosts thumped World Test Championship holders New Zealand in a tense run-chase at Lord's.

Ageing warhorse James Anderson picked up six wickets in the match, including a four-wicket haul on Day 1. Ex-skipper Joe Root's run-chase special enabled England to chase down the 277-run target set by the visitors.

While the Ben Stokes-led side is now 1-0 ahead in the three-match series, there were times that they almost squandered their promising positions, especially during the initial stages of the match. On Day 1, England were reduced to 100-7 and eventually folded out for 141, thus enjoying a paltry 9-run lead.

The home side also looked down and out after Kane Williamson and co. climbed to a 227-run lead at the end of Day 2, with six intact wickets.

Anderson, who recently interacted on the BBC's Tailenders podcast, spoke about England's fighting spirit and the team atmosphere under new coach Brendon McCullum.

The legendary speedster said, "We could have been ', oh they've got a big partnership going, two guys nearing a hundred', and you could feel down about it. But when the coach sends you home by saying he's excited, you go to bed in a completely different mindset."

While talking about the batting disaster at the end of Day 1, the English veteran had this to say, "That first day when we lost wickets, in years gone by, we'd be too down about that and got worried and stressed,"

"But the message from the coach and captain was that we'd bowled brilliantly, fielded brilliantly, started great with the bat, but in Test cricket, you do have ups and downs. There are times where the opposition does fight back so let's just park it and come back tomorrow and try as best we can," the bowler concluded.