James Anderson admits he may miss part of England's upcoming Test schedule
Wednesday 21 September 2016 13:15, UK
James Anderson has accepted he may have to sit out part of England's upcoming tours of Bangladesh and India.
The 34-year-old swing bowler, who has taken 463 wickets in five-day cricket, has been included in Trevor Bayliss' squad for the three-match Test series in Bangladesh next month.
The experienced Lancastrian, who is also expected to be selected for this winter's five-match series in India, is hoping to feature in every game in the subcontinent.
However, he admits he may be forced to take a back seat if the selectors choose to rotate their squad.
"It's a tough one because as a player if you're fit you want to play, simple as that, no matter what the format you're desperate to play," Anderson said.
"But there may well come a time when it will get managed. At 34 I probably have to manage myself, be managed, quite well. You want, if possible, to play every Test but India is going to be five back to back and that's a huge ask for any bowler.
"We're in constant discussion with the captain, coach and medical staff about the best scenario. We've got good backroom staff who are very switched on and it will be managed well.
"You take it game by game you can't say now 'I'll miss the second Test of five', because you might bowl 15 overs in the first game.
"So you be a bit sensible and there will probably come a point where we try to look and maybe I've got to sit out."
Anderson has traditionally struggled to pick up wickets in the subcontinent as part of a four-man attack.
But with the added firepower of all-rounders Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set to tour this year, Anderson believes he and Stuart Broad should have enough back-up in the bowling department to trouble Bangladesh and India.
"We're fortunate now, with Stokesy and Mo, it looks after the seamers," Anderson said, at a promotional event supporting Brut Sport Style.
"That's a real bonus for us because it has been difficult in India when we've had just two seamers and two spinners.
"But there's a danger to go over there and expect spinners to take the wickets. There are still opportunities as a seamer, the ball swings out there and reverse swings later in the innings. You have to look at the positives and think how you can make an impact."
Anderson also backed Lancashire team-mate Haseeb Hameed to impress after receiving a call-up to the England squad for the Bangladesh tour.
The 19-year-old opener has been fast-tracked into the senior team after impressing in the Specsavers County Championship and Anderson says the youngster has all the attributes to succeed at the top level.
"He's a really impressive guy. A real strong head on his shoulders and a really great attitude and mentality," he said.
"The strength of character at such a young age, and the ability as well, is really impressive. He's only had one full year of first-class cricket, but that's similar to what I had. I'm sure if he got the chance he wouldn't be fazed."
