LANCASHIRE star James Anderson has admitted he was plagued by “doubts” about bowling following the death of Australia batsman Philip Hughes in November.

Hughes died after being struck by a short-pitched delivery and England star Anderson, currently in Australia with Peter Moore’s side, admitted he was worried about bowling short in the wake of the accident.

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The Burnley paceman said: “In the week after, I was having huge doubts about how I’d go about bowling and whether I’d want to bowl the short ball.”

Since then the 32-year-old took 1-24 in England’s victory over an invitational Australian Capital Territory XI.

And Anderson, who is in the England squad for the World Cup which begins next month, is now of the opinion that sport’s rules do not need adapting in the wake of the tragedy.

“I don’t see it changing the way bowlers go about their business,” he added.

“It was a freak accident and a huge tragedy, and the game has got to carry on.

“I’ve heard a lot of Aussies say that’s what Phillip would have wanted.”

n Stephen Parry took a wicket with his second ball on his Big Bash debut, but finished with figures of 1-17 from two overs as the Brisbane Heat were beaten by five wickets by the Melbourne Renegades.

Parry finished two not out as the Heat were bowled out for a total of just 80.