James Anderson credits Zaheer Khan for his success with reverse swing

“From Zaheer Khan. We found it really difficult to face,” James Anderson said when asked about where he got the idea to hide the ball during his run-up to the bowling crease, reported AFP.

Anderson, who is the most successful English bowler in Test with 462 wickets, believes that this current squad has the potential to reach the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings. He said, "I think our team at the moment is better equipped to get to number one and stay there.”

England could return to the top of the rankings, if they win the four-match Test series against Pakistan 3-1, for the first time since Andrew Strauss led them to the No.1 spot four years ago. However, Anderson feels that this team is more talented.

"We are a more talented side. I think we are more mentally tough -- I think we showed what character we've got coming from 100 runs behind and managing to win (at Edgbaston).

"The lads we have got in the dressing room are very down to earth, honest with their own appraisal and the team's own form.

"If they can keep developing and improving then the sky is the limit. I think we have got more time on our side.

"In the team then (in 2012), we had a lot of players early to mid-30s - now we have got the backbone of a side that could go on for another 10 years, and that is very exciting," Anderson told AFP.

At Edgbaston, Anderson lost his cool with the umpires after being warned for running on the pitch. However, the 34-year-old is apologetic of his behaviour. He said, "I apologised to the umps, shook hands at the end and was all smiles.

"I definitely need that edge. I think it's made me the bowler I am, so I don't want to lose that.

"But at the same time, I want to stay the right side of the line.

"I don't want to behave like that on the field. I've got a lot of respect for the umpires," Anderson said.