I went to England cult hero Jordan Pickford’s school, my idol is Freddie Flintoff and I want to replace James Anderson

The north east of England has actually produced some unbelievable sports individuals, from Alan Shearer to Steve Cram, and Matt Potts wishes to end up being another.

The Durham quick bowler belongs to the England team presently handling the West Indies in a three-match Test series and is promoting participation in the XI.

Potts is a young fast bowler who has a big international career ahead of him — Potts is a young quick bowler who has a huge global profession ahead of himCredit: Getty

The 25-year-old from Sunderland is viewed as the future of English Test cricket and has huge boots to fill now that James Anderson has actually retired.

Anderson played the last Test of his profession in July 2024 versus the Windies at Lord’s, and with him and Stuart Broad gone, the course has actually opened for Potts to enter into the England side.

However, he understands that will not be simple and has a clear objective of what to do.

Speaking specifically to the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel, he stated: “As a fast bowler, your currency is wickets, but it’s also bowling hard overs, making sure you are fully fit, putting your hand up for the team and making sure your speeds are up and aren’t dropping too much.

“I understand Rob Key [ECB’s managing director] has actually discussed he desires the accelerate there. The wicket tally does not indicate anything if your rate is down.

“It’s about sticking my hand up, taking big wickets for the team, contributing to wins and keeping my speeds up.”

Potts enjoyed a dream Test debut in 2022 — Potts took pleasure in a dream Test launching in 2022Credit: AFP

It has actually been more than 2 years because Potts very first burst onto the scene for the England Test group.

The seamer made his launching at Lord’s versus New Zealand. His very first wicket in Test cricket was Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, and he ended the innings with incredible figures of 4/13.

Potts played the rest of that summertime versus New Zealand, India and South Africa and ended with 20 wickets.

And after getting that preliminary taste, he understands that’s where his future lies.

“I want to be a full-time England cricketer, be on every tour and contribute in all formats for England.

“You do not understand what you have up until you are overlooked and on the edge of the fold.

“It can either set you back or inspire hunger, and for me, it definitely drives me on. I have that desire to play for my country again, and any opportunity I get to wear the Three Lions [shirt], I’ll be excited and proud.”

Potts has big ambitions and wants to re-live those initial moments as a Test cricketer — Potts has huge aspirations and wishes to re-live those preliminary minutes as a Test cricketerCredit: Getty

Former England bowler Steve Harmison commemorates Jimmy Anderson after he completes his test Cricket profession

Being from the north east, football is the area’s greatest sport, and Potts occurred to go to the very same school as one of England’s Euro 2024 heroes, Jordan Pickford.

The set – 5 years apart in age – both went to St Robert’s of Newminster in Washington, and Potts wishes to replicate Pickford’s accomplishments just in cricket.

“They didn’t talk too much about him [Pickford].

“Obviously, maturing and having goals to be a sporting expert, there was reference of that.

“They knew I played cricket for Durham, and it was very much like, ‘You need to do your studies; otherwise, you are not going to be like him’.

“Then I was believing to myself, ‘Did Jordan truly stick in at school? I do not understand.’

“His mother used to work on reception, so I would have a couple of passing conversations with her, and he would pop into the Sixth Form, and everyone would say, ‘Wow, it’s Jordan. ‘

“So, it’s great to come from a location where there have actually been other sporting heroes, and ideally, they take a look at me that method now.”

Pickford and Potts used to walk the same corridors and sit in the same classroomsCredit: Getty

However, despite those Pickford connections, it’s a famous English cricketer Potts idolises, and he gets to work with him during The 100 season at the Northern Superchargers.

When asked who is sporting icons were, he said: “Freddie Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen. [I am] most likely leaning more towards Flintoff now that he’s the [Northern] Superchargers head coach.

“Having the chance to work with him is a surreal moment because you see your sporting hero and speak to them, and they are not what you imagine them to be.

“Freddie’s excellent.”

So, Potts has numerous motivations, and he’s figured out to be an England Test cricketer.

Couple that decision with his outrageous skillset, and England may have the beneficiary to Anderson’s throne.

Keep as much as date with all the current news and interviews on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel.