Anderson Excited for Summer after 700 Test wicket: James Anderson the experienced fast bowler of England is eager to secure his position in England’s squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Even though he became the first fast bowler to reach 700 Test wickets, James Anderson played down his achievement and emphasized the importance of securing his position in the team.
Anderson stated that he is “definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in” and is “excited for the summer” as part of the England team.
He acknowledged the milestone but expressed disappointment with England’s series defeat in the ICC World Test Championship. Despite his individual performance of 10 wickets at an average of 33.50 and reaching the 700-wicket mark in the final Test in Dharamsala, Anderson felt a sense of emptiness due to England’s struggles in the latter part of the series.
Recently, Anderson joined an exclusive club as the first fast bowler and only the third player overall, after Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka (800 wickets) and Australia leg-spin legend Shane Warne with 708 wickets, to achieve the 700-wicket milestone.
However, he indicated that this accomplishment held little significance for him as England suffered a 4-1 series defeat in the crucial ICC World Test Championship series.
England has attained some noteworthy records despite losing the test series against India. The debutants of the England team have displayed impressive skills against India, leading them to victory in the opening test match.
Anderson shared with his colleagues on BBC’s Tailenders Podcast when questioned about reaching 700 Test wickets, “It was a nice moment and nice to do it at a picturesque ground.”
“My dad was here so I had a drink with my dad, which was nice. He was more excited than I was.’’
“Maybe I would’ve felt more excited if we’d won the Test or the series.”
While England enjoys a break until July before their next World Test Championship opponents, Anderson is eager to resume training and work diligently to ensure he remains a top choice for selection when his team faces the West Indies and Sri Lanka in the upcoming three-Test series at home in July.
Fast bowlers like Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson are the top competitors for Anderson in England’s pace attack. However, Anderson expressed satisfaction with his performance during the India series and believes he can replicate that form at home this summer if allowed to lead England’s bowling unit once again.
Anderson Excited for Summer after 700 Test wicket
Anderson added, “I’m not getting any worse.”
“I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in.
“I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets.
“My place in the team is not a given so I’ve got to work hard to prove I’m worth a place in the summer.”
“I’m really excited for the summer.”
“I want to make sure I’m playing well and earn my place in the team.”
At 41 years old, England veteran James Anderson became the first seamer to reach 700 Test wickets. Anderson achieved this milestone during the fifth and final Test against India in Dharamsala on Saturday, making him only the third bowler, and the first seamer, to accomplish this feat. Entering his 187th Test match, Anderson was just two wickets away from reaching the 700 mark.
Anderson bowled Shubman Gill and then Kuldeep Yadav became his 700th victim during the final match in Dharamsala.
Former England bowler Steven Finn told the BBC, “In the foothills of the Himalayas, James Anderson has scaled the seemingly insurmountable summit for a fast bowler in Test cricket,”
“Nobody will ever take more than 700 Test wickets as a fast bowler. He’s a remarkable man and player and he’s still going.”
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