I absolutely love playing Test Cricket: James Anderson
James Anderson, the latest entrant to the 600 Test wickets club, has stated that he loves playing Test Cricket, and feels that he still has a lot to offer to the team.
Upon being asked by Sky Sports if he wants to aim for 700 Test wickets, the Burnley-born fast bowler replied, “”Why not? I feel like I still have a lot to offer this team and as long as I feel like that I will keep on going.”
Admitting that England captain Joe Root asked for his services at least until the Ashes next year, he said, “Rooty said he would like me to be in Australia. I don’t see any reason why I can’t be. I absolutely love [playing Test cricket]. There is no better feeling than putting the boots on, going out there and doing what I love doing.
“There has been hard work involved in developing those skills so I can go out there and bowl the way I do. I still get satisfaction from putting a hard shift in, putting 25 overs in a day. I still enjoy putting the yards in in the nets, making those tweaks with my technique to make sure I am in good shape going into Test matches. I still enjoy the stuff in the gym. I think that’s why I keep going.
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“I have struggled a little bit for rhythm during the summer but I have felt great this week, as good as I have done for a number of years. Annoyingly it looks like we haven’t got another Test for months but hopefully I can keep ticking over and be fit enough to go whenever that next Test is.”
Despite knowing that he might not get to play every game for England due to England’s arsenal of budding fast bowlers and his age, Anderson is still eager to play in all conditions and venues.
He said, “With mine and Stuart [Broad’s] experience it is part of our job to pass down information where we can to younger bowlers – it’s a natural thing to do. But I still think I can bowl in all conditions. I feel I am fit enough to keep playing and I don’t think it’s fair to other guys in the team if I just rock up in England when conditions suit and send them to India and Sri Lanka to do the hard yards!
Anderson exults after taking his 600th Test wicket; Azhar Ali caught at slip by Joe Root
“We have strength in depth and I realise there will be times I am left out for various reasons – resting, to have a look at someone else. I will have to be wise about which games I play and which I don’t, but that is something for the selectors, coach, captain and medical team to help me with.
“I will just try and keep my game at as high a level as possible and be ready for when I am called upon. It felt amazing [to get 600 wickets]. I went to bed last night not expecting to bowl a ball due to the forecast [for rain]. Even if I didn’t get it here there are worse numbers to be stuck on for a few months [than 599]!”
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“To play as much cricket as we have this summer is fantastic and a lot of credit must go to the people that have made this happen. It’s frustrating not having a crowd but we’d much rather be out there playing than not.”
The fact that Joe Root, the current England captain took the catch for Anderson’s 600th Test wicket made the occasion more special. Anderson, who made his Test debut in 2003, said, “It does make it that bit more special. We have shared lots of moments together and to share those moments with good friends makes it special. Obviously Broady was out there as well and when I was out there for his 500th wicket earlier this summer it was incredibly special.”