We have the pride, the privilege, no, the pleasure of introducing to you the ‘King of Swing’, James Anderson – England’s all-time leading wicket taker and one of cricket’s modern greats. ‘Jimmy’, who has represented England in over 100 Test matches and almost 200 One Day Internationals, was awarded an OBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services rendered against the Australian batting line-up. He is, gentlemen, a quite magnificent bowler.
When he’s good, he’s very, very good. Indeed, when the Lancastrian is on top form there is no better bowler in the world. Deadly with swing and seam and capable of irresistible spells, Anderson has proved himself to be one of the most skilful and prolific fast bowlers in England’s cricketing history. His talents have been particularly apparent in Test cricket where his command of swing bowling, especially on his home grounds, has been the stuff of artistry. With England putting the 2015 Investec Ashes series to bed at Trent Bridge, The Gentleman’s Journal speak to the star bowler.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO CRICKET?, I always wanted to play sport. When I was at school I was constantly staring out of the window, hoping that the weather was fine to play. Boris Becker was my idol when I was growing up – tennis was probably my favourite sport, but I played everything. l was about 15 when I started showing some promise as a cricketer.
DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD GET TO WHERE YOU ARE?, No! I always wanted to play for England and I was very fortunate in my early career. I had opportunities early on – a lot of being in the right place at the right time. I still enjoy playing the game and I’m very hopeful that I can achieve more and keep improving as a bowler. I’m delighted to be where I am now.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS…, The pressure is something that you get used to. I want to play in front of big crowds and show off my talent in front of as many people as possible. It doesn’t bring more pressure, it brings more enjoyment.
OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS…, You try to learn new stuff all the time and you can always improve. If there are any skills that I can pick up then I’m always on the lookout for them. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I’m always searching for the perfect game – trying to land every ball exactly where I want. I’m yet to achieve that, but I keep trying as much as I can!
WHAT MAKES A GREAT?, Skill will only get you so far. There are so many skilful players in country cricket and state cricket around the world. The thing that sets you out from the rest is your character and your mental strength – you need that in abundance in international cricket.
It’s something England have got in abundance at the moment – strong characters. We’ve got a lot of young guys and it’s a really good dressing room at the minute. We’re really lucky to have the people that we’ve got.
FAVOURITE PART OF THE SPORT…, I don’t play the game for personal rewards or achievements. I’ve always got the most enjoyment out of winning games of cricket and winning series. That’s why we play the game, for those moments you can share with your friends. Those moments are the ones that you remember for a long time.
PROUDEST MOMENT…, Winning The Ashes in Australia and winning the Test series in India. We hadn’t beaten either nation for 20 years. They don’t lose a great deal at home – not many teams have achieved victories there, full stop. Those series really meant a lot to us and they’re memories that I’ll treasure.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO PLAY…, India is a unique place to play. Cricket is such a huge, huge thing over there – you can’t move, you can’t leave your hotel else you get mobbed. The crowds there are very passionate and very knowledgeable. They give you credit when you play well, unlike the Aussies!
That said, there are some amazing stadiums in Australia. Sydney is probably the best place to play. A lot of stadiums in Australia are football stadiums that are used for cricket but Sydney, with its old pavilion, has real history.
TOUGHEST OPPONENT…, It’s a difficult one. There are a lot of very good players that I’ve played against and I could pick two or three from each country. Ricky Ponting from Australia; Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith from South Africa; Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar from India.
DREAM BOWLING PARTNER…, South Africa’s Dale Steyn, or the Australian’s Shane Warne or Glen McGrath.
FAVOURITE FORM OF THE GAME…, Test cricket is the best, nothing else comes close. It holds something extra. I like the intricacies – the battles you have within the game, between individuals, and the tactics – figuring someone out, working out plans.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PERIOD OF YOUR CAREER?, The 2015 World Cup was a big low point for us. We couldn’t really get any lower so we threw caution to the wind – just go out there and enjoy it. We want to play entertaining cricket and also enjoy ourselves on the field.
INJURIES…, Injuries and form are are just something that are quite common to sportsmen. They are part and parcel of the game, especially as a bowler. You’ve just got to learn to deal with it and crack on.
COMMITMENT TO CHARITY…, It’s important that you try and give something back. I’ve been very fortunate to play cricket for a long time and when opportunities come about to get involved I’m very keen to do so. Warriors, a documentary following Maasai Warriors who have formed a cricket team, was released this year.
GETTING AWAY FROM THE GAME…, Friends, family, playing golf – I just turn my phone off and get away from it.
ALWAYS REMEMBER…, You’ve got to enjoy it.
DESERT ISLAND LUXURY…, My record player and my records.
WHAT MAKES A MAN A GENTLEMAN?, Good manners – it’s the first thing that came into my head!
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