Jamie inspired after getting helping And
JAMIE PORTER hopes some lockdown tips from James Anderson will help to earn him an England call-up.
Porter was close to an international debut three years ago but slipped so far down the pecking order he was left out of an expanded training group at the start of last summer.
After impressing with the ball in county cricket last season, the 27-year-old sought out a chat with legendary bowler Anderson – England’s record Test wicket-taker – in a bid to help him to reach the next level.
Porter said: ‘He was in quarantine in India and had a bit of time on his hands and I was in lockdown back here, so I just sent him a message saying, “can we catch up at some point and have a chat?”. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
‘It’s hard to have a chat with one of the greatest bowlers of all-time and not take a lot away.
‘I thought I would try to pick a few technical points up off him but actually it was more the mental side of the game I learned the most about.’
Porter claimed 27 wickets in six matches for Essex in last season’s Bob Willis Trophy, taking his record in county cricket since the start of 2017 to 208 scalps at an average of 21.53
and England’s intention to rotate their options in a heaving schedule could open more opportunities.
‘Another thing I got from Jimmy – I got this more from being in the England squad with him – the best way to approach it is to try to force my way into the best XI,’ added Porter.
‘Ultimately that’s where I want to
be, so that’s my goal.’ Essex begin their County Championship defence by welcoming Worcestershire to Chelmsford for a four-day fixture starting today.
Porter said: ‘The best thing is to be contributing to a winning side. If we’re winning games and I’m spearheading that then hopefully it will be hard for [England] to look past me.’