James Anderson opens up about Test match where he emulated Pat Cummins

England fast bowler James Anderson recently shared a unique strategy that helped him claim wickets; mimicking the bowling action of Australian pacer Pat Cummins. Anderson, who has taken more Test wickets than any other pace bowler, revealed this interesting tidbit during the "Tailenders" podcast.

During a Test match in Galle, Sri Lanka, in 2019, Anderson was feeling particularly stiff after lunch. His fellow bowler, Mark Wood, who was fielding at mid-off, advised him to try and bowl like Pat Cummins to regain his rhythm and effectiveness.

"I really like Pat Cummins' action. There was a Test match in Galle in Sri Lanka where I was feeling really stiff after lunch. Mark Wood was at mid-off and I said: 'I'm going to copy Pat Cummins' action now and try to bowl like him.' I got a wicket in that over and Woody said: 'You should bowl like him all the time,” Anderson said.

Anderson went on to praise Cummins' unique bowling style, particularly the "snap" in his delivery, which makes him a formidable opponent.

"He's got an amazing snap. When he gets to the top of his action, everything seems to go really quick. When he bowls the ball, he just snaps through the crease. Because I was feeling stiff and a bit sluggish, I was trying to recreate that speed and it worked,” he further added.

This revelation comes as Anderson prepares for his 188th and final Test match against the West Indies at Lord's, starting next Wednesday, July 10. The 41-year-old fast bowler has had an illustrious career, taking 700 Test wickets, the most by any pace bowler in the history of the game.

In a fitting end to his domestic season, Anderson took 7-35 for Lancashire on Tuesday, the best figures in the County Championship this season so far. This performance highlights his enduring skill and effectiveness, even as he approaches the end of his Test career.