Matthew Potts revealed he is “exploring the boundaries” of his bowling, looking to add an extra yard of pace in a bid to become a standout option in a crowded field for England.
While his immediate focus is on England’s ongoing ODI series against Australia, Potts will fly out to Pakistan next week as one of half-a-dozen frontline fast bowlers for a three-match Test tour.
The likes of Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and Olly Stone can all get up to 90mph, with Josh Hull offering England a raw left-arm bet, leaving Potts and Chris Woakes as the reliable low-to-mid-80mph workhorses.
Potts, who has taken a respectable 28 wickets at an average of 29.32 in eight Tests in two years – all in England – hopes adding a bit more zip without sacrificing accuracy can put himself in the shop window.
“Ball speed obviously translates in different conditions,” he said. “I think that’s been a known thing for a number of years. That’s not rocket science. You need a little bit extra in other places.
“When it comes to it, it’s all about control. I think one of my key assets is control, but it’s about exploring the boundaries in which I can keep control and try and find my peak speed.
“As you push your average speed up, your peak speed should generally go up as well. I’ll try to keep up at 84-85mph consistently throughout the day.
“Sometimes, I feel my last ball is faster than my first ball. Sometimes, as the day progresses, you kind of get into a good rhythm and you’re able to tap into a little bit more than you thought you had.”
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1st Test – 7-11 October, Multan
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2nd Test – 15–19 October, Multan
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3rd Test – 24–28 October, Rawalpindi
Perhaps Potts’ standing with England was exemplified earlier this month when he was dropped for the last Test against Sri Lanka, with Hull given a debut, despite featuring in their two victories.
He rebounded by taking nine off 68 for Durham but he continues to look at modifications to his action, tinkering with his run-up and front arm, in an attempt to get the best out of himself.
The 25-year-old is also aware he has one of the best in the business on hand for advice, with England’s record wicket-taker James Anderson among the Test backroom staff for the foreseeable future.
“Nobody’s a robot,” he said. “It’s always going to feel different some days, but just trying little things out and seeing where it gets me. There’s no real correct formula to how to do it.
“But it’s an awesome experience to have so much knowledge in the dressing room. Being able to tap into that knowledge whenever you want, he (Anderson) gives it freely.”
Potts, plus Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Carse and Jordan Cox, will have just a couple of days between the end of the series against Australia on Sunday and a flight to Multan on Tuesday.
“That’s the beauty of being a multi-format cricketer,” Potts said. “You’ve got to be ready for every eventuality but at the same time be able to compartmentalise for different things.
“I’ve got all the stuff packed but I’m focused on this white-ball series first.”
Entrusted with the new ball as part of England’s ODI reset, Potts has been their most economical bowler and demonstrated his threat in the second match at Headingley by bowling Steve Smith through the gate.
His impact has led to him being labelled as a successor to Woakes, who was instrumental in England’s transformation from white-ball also-rans to double World Cup champions.
“Obviously Woakesy’s done a fantastic job for the England one-day side,” Potts added. “That’s big boots to fill. I’m looking forward to it and taking it on and it’s come out all right so far.”
After their rain-affected win at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday to cut Australia’s lead to 2-1, England could name an unchanged line-up for Friday’s penultimate ODI at Lord’s.
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