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NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Darren Gough has expressed admiration for James Anderson‘s unwavering commitment to the game, particularly in light of the 41-year-old fast bowler’s recent adjustments to his run-up ahead of the challenging five-Test series in India.
Anderson, set to become the oldest player to feature in an overseas Test for England in nearly three decades, revealed in an interview that he has worked on a “better run-up to get that speed and momentum.” The veteran bowler aims to enhance his performance after a challenging Ashes series at home last year.
Gough, speaking to an English publication, commended Anderson‘s desire to continue playing despite his lengthy career. He acknowledged the potential injury risks associated with changing a well-established bowling dynamic, especially for a seasoned player like Anderson.
“The only thing is when you’ve been doing something so long as Jimmy has, when you start quickening up, you bring more injuries into play, more hamstring, calf, groin-type injuries,” Gough stated. He expressed hope that Anderson can avoid injuries and continue to perform well.
Despite Anderson’s age, Gough emphasized that his selection should be based on performance. “Everybody talks about his age but with Jimmy, you have to take age out of it. If he keeps taking wickets, he keeps playing. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t, it’s that simple,” Gough remarked.
Anderson, who last played in July 2023 during the final Ashes Test at the Oval, is returning after his longest-ever layoff. Gough acknowledged the challenges associated with changing dynamics and potential injury risks. However, he highlighted Anderson’s athleticism and suggested that if the veteran pacer has a good series in India, he might consider playing one more summer.
“He’s put himself up for a very difficult tour; it tends to be for a fast bowler when you go to India. But if he has a good series, he can do one more (summer)…If he doesn’t, what’s he going to do? Keep going because he wants to go out on a high? England might have to make a decision,” Gough concluded.
James Anderson has an impressive track record in Tests in India, with 34 wickets in 13 games since 2006 at an average of 29.32. As England prepares for the upcoming series, Anderson’s dedication and adjustments to his approach will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts.
(With inputs from PTI)
Anderson, set to become the oldest player to feature in an overseas Test for England in nearly three decades, revealed in an interview that he has worked on a “better run-up to get that speed and momentum.” The veteran bowler aims to enhance his performance after a challenging Ashes series at home last year.
Gough, speaking to an English publication, commended Anderson‘s desire to continue playing despite his lengthy career. He acknowledged the potential injury risks associated with changing a well-established bowling dynamic, especially for a seasoned player like Anderson.
“The only thing is when you’ve been doing something so long as Jimmy has, when you start quickening up, you bring more injuries into play, more hamstring, calf, groin-type injuries,” Gough stated. He expressed hope that Anderson can avoid injuries and continue to perform well.
Despite Anderson’s age, Gough emphasized that his selection should be based on performance. “Everybody talks about his age but with Jimmy, you have to take age out of it. If he keeps taking wickets, he keeps playing. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t, it’s that simple,” Gough remarked.
Anderson, who last played in July 2023 during the final Ashes Test at the Oval, is returning after his longest-ever layoff. Gough acknowledged the challenges associated with changing dynamics and potential injury risks. However, he highlighted Anderson’s athleticism and suggested that if the veteran pacer has a good series in India, he might consider playing one more summer.
“He’s put himself up for a very difficult tour; it tends to be for a fast bowler when you go to India. But if he has a good series, he can do one more (summer)…If he doesn’t, what’s he going to do? Keep going because he wants to go out on a high? England might have to make a decision,” Gough concluded.
James Anderson has an impressive track record in Tests in India, with 34 wickets in 13 games since 2006 at an average of 29.32. As England prepares for the upcoming series, Anderson’s dedication and adjustments to his approach will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts.
(With inputs from PTI)
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