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, leaving Potts and Chris Woakes as the reliable low-to-mid-80mph workhorses, with left-armer Josh Hull ruled out due to injury.
“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.”
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.”
“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.
