Shami learning from Anderson more and more

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India seamer Mohammed Shami has taken a keen interest in the performances of fast bowler James Anderson, during England and India’s ongoing Test series.

Anderson is England’s leading Test wicket-taker and enjoying a fine stretch of form.

When the fourth Test gets underway at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday, he will be presented with the opportunity to surpass Australia’s Glenn McGrath as the Test fast bowler with the most wickets.

As far as learning goes, when you see a senior player like Anderson performing before you like that, you observe him as much as you can,” said Shami.

“I am always looking at how he doesn’t have as much pace as us but still takes wickets – what lengths does he bowl? You get to learn these things. He’s a different bowler in different conditions.

“No matter where a player comes from, the first thing you have to see is what he works on in home conditions. We have been able to learn a great deal from Anderson. We saw him on the last tour here as well and he bowled really well.

“So far, what I’ve learned from Anderson is that the more accurate you are, the better it is for you.”

The 27-year-old Shami took two wickets in the third Test at Trent Bridge, where the tourists halved the hosts’ lead in the five-match series to two-one.

He will likely be retained, unless India select fast bower Umesh Yadav or opt for an additional all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja.

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