James Anderson credits Zaheer Khan for unknowingly helping him to reach the summit

James Anderson regained his No.1 position in the latest ICC rankings for bowlers but he remained humble and didn’t forget to thank all those who have helped him knowingly or unknowingly to reach where he is today.

Anderson who is one of the best exponents of the reverse swing was asked from where he learnt the art of ‘hiding the ball ‘. “From Zaheer Khan. We found it really difficult to face,” was his reply. It was Zaheer who used this weapon to good effect during the 2007 Pataudi Trophy in England where India won 1-0. Anderson who was the member of the opposition team observed the original master silently.

This revelation came on the sidelines of a promotional event organised by the sponsor of England –Pakistan Test series in Oval.

Anderson who is considered a master at ‘hiding the ball’ until the moment of delivery has used this weapon to unsettle opposition batsman quite regularly in the recent past. This practice makes life difficult for a batsman to understand which way the ball would swing.

England will be looking to finish the series on a winning note which will also give them a chance to be the No.1 team since 2012 provided the results in India-West Indies and Sri Lanka- Australia series goes their way.

Anderson dethroned Ravichandran Ashwin from the top of the rankings following a brilliant come from behind victory by the English side in the 3rd Test which ensured they took an unbeaten 2-1 lead in the 4 match series against Pakistan.

ECB’s decision to omit Anderson from the 1st Test and asking him to play County Cricket instead to prove his fitness came under heavy criticism after England were steamrolled in the 1st Test at Lord’s.

Anderson had earlier said that he was aware of the fact he was a bit down in pace but believed he had enough skills and experience to compensate for the loss in pace. He took the name of Mathew Hoggard in this aspect, a bowler despite the drop in pace during the latter half of his career kept the batsman on his toes with his immaculate line and length and reverse swing.