JAMES ANDERSON may have just turned 34 — but reckons wisdom is more important than age.
The Burnley swing king celebrated his birthday at the weekend.
But he is not worried that advancing years are reducing his power as an international bowler.
And Anderson believes he can make up for any loss of pace through experience and know-how.
Stats support his claim — he has taken 25 wickets at 11.80 in four Tests this summer and is No 2 in the world Test rankings.
England will be hoping he is firing on all cylinders for tomorrow’s Third Test against Pakistan with the series at 1-1.
Anderson said: “I didn’t feel my speeds in the last Test at Old Trafford were as high as they could have been.
“I felt a bit like Matthew Hoggard at the end of his career when he slowed down but his control was good.
“With the skills I have, I can do a job even if my speeds did drop. With experience you can use your head to stay one step ahead.
“It is like an old football defender who may not have the pace of a quick striker but is two steps ahead of him upstairs.”
Anderson’s average speed at Old Trafford was 81mph.
And he does not believe his pace has gone for good and can return to his usual mid-80s mph at Edgbaston this week.
He said: “I think it was rustiness. I bowled 20-odd overs for Lancashire after four weeks out with a shoulder problem and then went into the Test.
“Now I have more match practice under my belt I can build up my speeds.
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“I’m at an age where five weeks without bowling shouldn’t make me lose my form.
“I should be able to hit my straps when I come back in.”
Anderson has had three injuries in the past year (side, calf and shoulder) but thinks it is just a coincidence NOT physical decline and there are plenty of years left in him.
Anderson has just overtaken Aussie great Glenn McGrath’s record of 289 for most home Test wickets by a quick bowler.
McGrath played until a month before his 37th birthday.
Anderson said: “The injuries were just one of those things.
“Sometimes, they come in batches. As long as I have that hunger, I’ll keep improving and working on my fitness. If I get to 37 and I’m still playing for England, then great.”
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