Can't see anyone wanting to play Test cricket after 40: James Anderson

England’s long-serving cricketer and talismanic fast bowler, James Anderson, is set to play his first Test after turning 40. England will take on South Africa at Lord’s on August 17, Wednesday. This will be Anderson’s 173rd Test; he also stands second on the list of most appearances made in the format after Sachin Tendulkar (200).

Anderson reckons that after his teammate Stuart Broad, who is 36, no other cricketer would want to play Test cricket for a long period. He feels that the sport today is more about franchise cricket. Speaking about his long career, he said that he is proud and fortunate to be where he is at the moment.

“Definitely not after that because no one will be stupid enough,” Anderson told ESPNcricinfo, about having long careers in Test cricket. “Everything that has gone in the world with franchise cricket, the Hundred, short forms of the game, I can’t see anyone wanting to play Test cricket for this long.”

I’ve still got the love for the game and the desire to get better: Anderson

“I feel proud to have got to where I have. I feel fortunate as well that I’ve still got the love for the game and the desire to get better and still do the training and the nets and whatever else that comes with it,” said the England pacer.

“Because with a lot of people that’s the first thing that goes, and that’s when you start slowing down and winding down. But for me, I feel like that passion is still there. So I feel fortunate for that. I feel fortunate that my body’s still functioning properly and allowing me to do the job that I love,” added the 40-year-old.

Anderson also expressed his disappointment with the Kiwi pacer Trent Boult requesting the New Zealand Cricket Board to be released from the central contract to be available for T20 Leagues around the world. He still insisted that it was not the end of Boult’s international career although it “significantly” reduces his availability for the national team.