James Anderson's new bowling run-up could bring injuries, says Darren Gough

Former England cricketer Darren Gough heaped rich praise on pacer James Anderson ahead of the five-Test series against India. He reacted to the fast bowler’s new bowling run-up and said that it reflects the pacer’s desire to carry on playing.

James Anderson has been putting hard yards to display top performance in the ongoing Test series. Even in his 40s, he is the leader of the bowling attack and is performing like any other pacer in his prime, which shows his commitment to play for the nation.

James Anderson recently revealed that he will be using a new bowling run-up in the Test series against India. The fast bowler said that he used a running track in Manchester City to fine-tune his run and underwent various speed drills to perfect his new bowling run-up.

This comes after James Anderson’s torrid run in the Ashes 2023. The pacer wasn’t any near to his best as he bowled poor lines and lengths and picked up just five wickets from four matches at an average of 85.40. The faster bowler, however, with the new bowling run-up is hoping to change his fortunes as well.

Darren Gough while reacting to James Anderson‘s new bowling run-up hailed his desire to play. But also expressed his concern, saying that such a change after a while might make him injury prone. Speaking to Inews.co.uk, he explained:

“It just goes to show the desire to carry on playing. 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.

“When you start having injuries they tend to follow you. He’s such an athlete. But changing your run-up? It could be absolutely brilliant but like anything when you change your dynamics it could set off injuries.”

Daren Gough also feels that James Anderson might have a tough tour in India. He, however, stated that when he doesn’t perform, people start talking about his age but according to the former cricketer, age shouldn’t be counted. He added:

“Let’s hope not because I think even at his age he can perform. 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.”

He surprises everyone every year he keeps going – Darren Gough on James Anderson

Darren Gough further said that he expected James Anderson to retire alongside Stuart Broad but the pacer surprised many. He feels that if the fast bowler has a good outing in India, the veteran might play another summer. He explained:

“He surprises everyone every year he keeps going, especially now his partner Broady has gone. I think everybody expected them to go together. It’s not happened. 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).”

Darren Gough concluded by raising concerns over James Anderson’s future if the pacer didn’t have a good India tour. While elaborating on the same, he added:

“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. But you always think with Jimmy he can make that decision because he’s been such an amazing performer for many, many years. When you consider he didn’t average 30 until he got 300 Test wickets it’s crackers.”

James Anderson has a good track record in India. The fast bowler has claimed 34 wickets at an average of 29.32 in 13 games. It remains to be seen how he fares this time around.