Ravi Shastri. (Photo Source: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has heaped massive praises on current English swing bowler James Anderson for his longevity and ability to perform consistently with ease in competitive cricket. Shastri lauded the veteran bowler for becoming the world’s number one bowler in Tests.
On February 22, James Anderson climbed to the world No.1 spot in the ICC men’s Test bowlers’ updated rankings. Anderson’s exploits against New Zealand in the first Test, which aided England in a comprehensive 267-run victory, helped him climb the ladder, thus ending Australian bowler Pat Cummins’ four-year reign in the summit spot.
‘I admired his work ethics’: Ravi Shastri on James Anderson
“I used to watch him (Anderson) so closely when I was a coach on tours of England, every time. And what I used to admire was his work ethic. Even in Indian conditions, there were times he didn’t play in India. But he would go out to bowl at lunch or straight after the day’s play or before the day’s play,” the 60-year-old ace commentator said while speaking in an episode of the ICC Review.
The former all-rounder said that he was not the least surprised in learning about Anderson becoming world No.1. Test bowler. He was of the view that the veteran Englishman deserved the position in every aspect, primarily because of the professionalism and excellent work ethics he displayed.
Shastri recalled his stint as India coach in 2019, how he used to encourage the Indian bowlers to take a leaf out of the Anderson’s book. Anderson would carry himself well as a thorough professional even during his practice sessions at the nets.
“I would say he would bowl 20 balls or 25 balls at the most. But every ball, he would give it his all. And, at times, I would tell my fast bowlers, ‘Just watch that. Just watch the professionalism, the work ethic’. And it’s not a half-hearted delivery.
Those 15-20 balls, whatever they had to bowl, would be as if he’s bowling in a game. He bowls six and may be takes a little break as if it’s someone else’s bowling. Then comes back and goes back to the basics. And then the action, the follow through and the rhythm, the running in, was just the same for all those 20 balls,” Ravi said.
The biggest attribute of Anderson while continuing for so long in international cricket even at this age is his fitness, according to Shastri. He stated that, at the age of 40, Anderson was still much more accurate in his lines and lengths and extremely particular in maintaining his fitness levels as compared to many modern-day youngsters.
“So these are real professionals, and a stickler for fitness. You can’t play at 40 and produce these kinds of results unless you are supremely fit. So, hats off! Well done, Jimmy. I would say. He’s a role model. He inspires so many. Leave alone batters playing at the age of 40, but for a fast bowler to play at 40, you just salute it.”
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