Highlight
James Anderson is only two Test innings away from equaling Alastair Cook’s all-time Test batting record.
Alastair Cook has played his country’s 161st Test match.
James Anderson has appeared in 160 international matches as an England player.
James Anderson is only two Test innings away from equaling Alastair Cook’s all-time Test batting record.
Alastair Cook has played his country’s 161st Test match.
James Anderson has appeared in 160 international matches as an England player.
The prospect of catching Alastair Cook’s England record for Test appearances, which stands at 100, is mind-blowing, according to James Anderson.
Anderson described equaling Alastair Cook’s record for most Tests played for England as “mind-blowing.” Anderson will tie the record held by former England captain Andrew “Freddie” Cook, who had played 161 Tests. However, whereas his good friend Cook was an opening batsman throughout his international career, Anderson, who already has the most wickets by any fast bowler in the format, has had the physically challenging task of bowling at the top of the order. Should Anderson play in all seven Tests against New Zealand and India this year, he will be third on the all-time list of batsmen who have played 200 Tests, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, who are tied for second, and Steve Waugh, who is in sole possession of the first place.
I have to admit that I am proud of myself, Anderson said. Never in a million years did I think I’d get this far.”
It is somewhat surprising to me because I do not feel like I have played that many games.
In the LV= Insurance video “In With Heart” featuring the England cricket team, player Anderson noted: “My body doesn’t feel aged or tired.”
I have a tremendous passion for Test cricket, and I adore it. When I was growing up, that was all I wanted to do: play for England in Test cricket. And now, here I am, for longer than I ever expected to be able to.
The ‘home of cricket’ was the venue for Anderson’s Test debut, when he scored his first fifty against Zimbabwe at Lord’s eighteen years ago.
On numerous occasions, he has said that arriving at Lord’s, since the first time he was there in 2003, has provided him with an entirely unique cricketing experience.
Also, he’s eight wickets shy of tying the record for most first-class wickets taken, and Andrew Caddick was the last England fast bowler to do so in 2005.
Anderson said, “I’ve said it many times, in this day and age, getting that many first-class wickets these days doesn’t seem possible, with the amount of cricket that’s played, and there’s no longevity in bowlers. Also, there’s loads of T20 cricket and all the other stuff going on in the world.”
Though there were statistical landmarks to his career, the Lancashire swing bowler said his career was much more complex.
His words told us to “Put in the hard work. This is when it means the most, putting in a shift for the team.” I derive great pleasure from it.” I just don’t enjoy bowling 10 overs on a green seamer, so it doesn’t work for me.
“I want to help out when the team is having a tough time.”
Anderson is hoping to be in the presence of spectators when he writes records in the next revision of cricket’s rules.
He took his 600th Test wicket behind closed doors in Southampton last year as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Over 18,000 tickets have been set aside for the pilot event between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston.
It’s going to be really nice to have the people in attendance. Anderson was uncertain if soulless was the right word, but he said there are no fans in international cricket if you aren’t interested in the game.
In our minds, we think everyone has noticed it for the first time.” It’s unfortunate that we’ll miss having fans there, and our fans will miss watching us perform live.
