James Anderson Vows to Fight for Spot Despite 700 Wickets Haul
James Anderson, the first fast bowler to take 700 Test wickets, says his place in the England team remains up for grabs despite his historic achievement.
The 41-year-old Anderson reached the milestone during England’s heavy 4-1 series defeat in India, dismissing Kuldeep Yadav in the first session of the third day in Dharamsala.
Anderson bagged 10 wickets in the series but his bowling strike rate was above 60. Also, he was taken to the cleaners by young Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third test.
It can also be said that Anderson didn’t receive adequate support from the other end as both Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson struggled to find rhythm in subcontinent conditions.
While acknowledging the disappointment of the series loss, Anderson expressed optimism about England’s future under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
“We’re in a good place,” Anderson said on the Tailenders podcast. “This team has a lot more to come, even though we’ll be criticized for some aspects of our play in India.”
READ MORE: “India is too good”– James Anderson after England failure
Anderson, who took 10 wickets at an average of 33.50, believes he’s in peak form.
“I’m not getting any worse,” he said. “I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in. My place isn’t guaranteed, so I’ve got to keep working hard to prove my worth for the summer Tests.”
England’s next Test series is a three-match encounter against West Indies starting July 10th. Then England will host Sri Lanka for home test summer.
It is evident that English players will have plenty of opportunity to find their form back in home conditions against weaker sides.
Anderson downplayed the significance of his personal milestone.
“There’s nothing to celebrate,” he said. “Winning games gives me the biggest buzz. It was a nice moment, but maybe more so because my dad was here.”
With the changing landscape of cricket and the decrease in Test matches, Anderson’s record might stand for a long time. However, the veteran bowler remains focused on team success.
“That’s irrelevant,” he said of potentially holding the record. “Winning with England is what truly matters.”
Anderson also revealed an interesting tidbit – Kuldeep Yadav predicted he would be the dismissal that brought up Anderson’s 700th wicket.
