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Regular-article-logo Saturday, 20 April 2024

Anderson has his eye on 700 Test wickets

Any thoughts this might be a good time for the 38-year-old to hang up his boots have been swiftly batted away

Reuters Southampton Published 27.08.20, 02:10 AM
James Anderson celebrates after taking his 600th Test wicket on Tuesday.

James Anderson celebrates after taking his 600th Test wicket on Tuesday. AP

England’s James Anderson has targeted another Ashes series against Australia and has his eye on 700 Test wickets after making history against Pakistan in the drawn third Test at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday.

Anderson became the first seam bowler to reach 600 test wickets when he had visiting captain Azhar Ali caught at slip by Joe Root, but any thoughts this might be a good time for the 38-year-old to hang up his boots have been swiftly batted away.

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“Why not?” he replied when asked by reporters if 700 Test wickets were now in his sights. “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.

“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. We will discuss what is best for the team and best for me, I guess.”

England are due to tour Australia next year, though the pandemic means the dates for upcoming series have not yet been set.

Anderson, though, is keen to have another crack at the Ashes.

“I have chatted to (captain Joe) Rooty about it and he said he would like me to be in Australia. I don’t see any reason why I can’t be.

“I don’t think I have won my last Test match for England yet. We don’t know when the next Test will be, but I will keep working in the gym.”

Anderson had come in for criticism prior to the third Test after a below-par home summer.

“I have not enjoyed parts of this summer and I have struggled with not being able to switch off. It did feel a little bit tough at times for me. That made me work harder these last couple of weeks on my technique.”

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