James Anderson in awe of Hasan Ali’s passion for the game

Legendary England seamer James Anderson has showered glowing praise on his Lancashire teammate and Pakistan seam-bowling all-rounder, Hasan Ali.

Ali, one of the nine Pakistani cricketers to feature in the ongoing County Championship, has turned heads in the United Kingdom (UK) with his consistent, match-winning performances for Lancashire in Division I. 

Hasan is currently the leading wicket-taker in Division I and was recently adjudged the 'Player of the Month' for April by Lancashire. And, even Anderson is picking some tricks from the Pakistan international. 

Speaking to BBC 5 Radio Live, Anderson lauded Hasan for his love for the game and eagerness to learn new things.

"Hasan Ali is an absolute legend, great guy and bowler. He's quite quick and he gives it everything, every ball. He's been amazing for Lancashire. He got Player of the Month for Lancashire in April and he's got skills. It's been great bowling with him. You can learn a lot from people you have not played with before when you see how they operate and see the different things they do. Although he's been asking me a lot of questions about what I do, I've also been watching him and have learned some stuff from him," 

"He just loves cricket and bowling. When you sign an overseas player, sometimes you're never quite sure if they're coming to get an experience of the conditions or the money. But he literally loves cricket, he will bowl all day long, he will never say no to the captain or say I am feeling tired or I need a rest," he added.

Hasan's famous 'generator celebration' every time he takes a wicket has been on show this summer.

And even Anderson is impressed by how seamlessly the bowler transitions himself from being focused on the job to his 'routine' every time he claims a wicket.

Anderson said:

"I like his celebration, I am amazed he can be so focused on bowling and all of a sudden he gets a wicket and he's bang straight into the routine. He sort of bends his leg at the knees, his hands sort of touch the ground almost and then he pulls his hands back quickly, I can't really describe it. Whenever he has done in the past, he has done in front of big crowds, in county cricket, it's quite loud 'Hooo, heee, Hoooo."

Thus far, Hasan has scalped 24 wickets for Lancashire in just four championship games. He has claimed them at an average of 18.50, and the pacer is currently leading the wicket-taking charts in the first division.