James Anderson, 38, says he is neither feeling old nor tired as he approaches becoming England’s most capped test player and the 1000 first-class wickets milestone; Closer who awaits the return of the fans and believes that Jofra Archer can recover stronger from elbow surgery
James Anderson has described his impending milestones as “mind-blowing” as he approaches becoming England’s most capped test player and the feat of 1,000 world-class wickets.
The closer, England’s all-time test wicket leader with 614 scalps, will equal his close friend Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 161 tests if he plays New Zealand at Lord’s from Wednesday and then surpasses that count. if featured in the second game against the Kiwis a week later at Edgbaston.
The 38-year-old is also just eight wickets under 1,000 with the red ball, and says he doesn’t feel old or tired before the test summer, which also includes five games against India in August and September.
“For a bowler to play this many games, I don’t know what the word is, but it’s kind of mind boggling to me,” said Anderson, who appeared with his England teammates at the LV = Insurance launch. ‘In With Heart’ video celebrating England’s cricket community.
“It makes me proud. I never imagined in a million years that I would get to this point. I don’t feel like I’ve played so many games. My body doesn’t feel old or tired.
“I love test cricket, I have a great passion for it. Growing up, all I wanted to do was play test cricket for England and I am honored to have been able to do it for so long.
“I knock on wood, I have not had injuries that put my career in danger. Reaching 38 and being in that position makes me really feel privileged.
“I’ve been so lucky when you look at cricketers in England who get long layoffs, like Jofra Archer right now. I think of Simon Jones and people whose careers are seriously hurt by injuries.
“Of course you get injured and have to go bowling when it hurts a little bit, but I actually get some pleasure from it. Putting in the hard yards, that’s when it means the most.
“Throwing 10 overs on a green seamer really doesn’t work for me. I want to make a change for the team when it’s tough.”
Archer will definitely miss the series against New Zealand after undergoing “career-defining” elbow surgery and has vowed not to rush his return, although Anderson believes his teammate can come back stronger and hopes he is “fit. “for the T20 World Cup. Cup and Ashes this winter.
Anderson said: “It’s tough when you have a recurring injury like that, but as a bowler it’s an integral part of the job, really. He sounds optimistic and confident that he will come back strong.
“It may take a bit of time during the summer to get it right, but from an English point of view we need him fighting in shape for the winter with the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.”
“The reason he’s had such an impact on international cricket is his pace, so it’s something he will be looking to maintain.
“He loves to go bowling fast, it’s what he does best, and I’m sure that’s what he’ll want to do when he gets back. Hopefully he recovers and comes back stronger.
“When you have some time away from the game, you realize why you love to play it. You are more hungry to play and work as hard as you can.
“When you come back, it’s an incredible feeling, especially in his case, where it could be months of hard work. It feels very rewarding when you come back.”
Fans will be back for Trials against New Zealand with a crowd of 7,500 at Lord’s, followed by up to 18,000 at Edgbaston with the game in the latter nominated as a pilot event.
Having played all of this past summer behind closed doors, Anderson can’t wait to perform in front of the fans once again, adding: “It’s going to be very special to have people there.
“I’m not sure if soulless is the right word, but it’s not international cricket with no fans there.”
“As players we have the impression that everyone has missed a lot. We have missed having fans there and they have missed seeing us live.”
James Anderson and other England cricket stars appear in the LV = Insurance movie “In With Heart” celebrating England’s cricket community ahead of LV = Insurance’s first ever test against New Zealand. Watch the video here
Watch the first test between New Zealand and England live on Sky Sports Cricket starting at 10am on Wednesday.
