A top order batsman, Robert Anderson already had a full tour under his belt - he visited England in 1973 - by the time he made his international debut on New Zealand's tour of Pakistan in 1976-77. He started the trip with a hundred in the opening game and while he failed to repeat that success he did enough to play in all three Tests. He made 92 on debut which was to remain his highest score, but did not retain his place on the Indian leg of the tour. He enjoyed his best summer in 1977-78, scoring 849 runs at 38.59, and was recalled for all three Tests against England and held his place for his second visit to England which followed straight on. However, while he enjoyed success in the county games, including a career-best 155 against Scotland, he was all at sea in the Tests where he scored 29 runs in six innings, Wisden saying he was a one of the "biggest disappointments". Anderson's father, Mac, played once for the New Zealand in the Test against Australia immediately after World War Two.