England bowler James Anderson has expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing on his home wicket during the third Test of the Ashes series.
The Lancashire local will step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford on Thursday with his side leading the series 2-0 over Australia.
Anderson was a spectator the last time the Ashes came to ground in 2005, but he is relishing the chance to do battle with the Baggy Greens this week.
"I'm very excited - I've not played an Ashes Test here before," Anderson told Sky Sports News.
"I was fortunate to get to one of the days here in 2005 and the atmosphere was incredible so I can't wait to get going on Thursday.
"The whole area is excited about having Test cricket back - the region is cricket mad - and especially an Ashes Test."
Anderson is just five wickets short of becoming England's second most successful Test bowler.
