'In my head, I feel like I could play for 10 years' - James Anderson shares his expectations from himself
Having played Test cricket since 2003, the evergreen pacer has resolved to retire after the first Test in the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies.
Achieving longevity and consistent excellence is a goal for all international bowlers in Test cricket, but only a rare few succeed in realizing it, and even few in actualizing the dream. Among those who've achieved this feat is the legendary English bowler, James Anderson.
Without a doubt, he has amazed everyone with his dazzling skills with the red cherry over the years, especially following his retirement from international white-ball cricket in 2015. Besides his on-field performances, his career serves as a symbol of enduring excellence, showing that with the right mindset and work ethic, age is merely a number in the pursuit of sporting greatness.
Anderson, who has played 187 Tests in a career exceeding two decades, was on track to hit the 200-game milestone. Nonetheless, following a mutual agreement with the key decision-makers of the England Cricket Team, he will only partake in one more match before hanging up his boots.
Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, the soon-to-be 42-year-old expressed that, although it might seem outlandish and completely mythical, his head and gut still tell him he could continue playing for another decade. He also admitted that about 10% of the time, he wakes up wishing he wasn’t retiring from cricket.
"In my head, I feel like I could play for 10 years. Obviously, I realise that is not realistic. Some days, I wake up and wish I was not retiring. Ninety per cent of the time, I’m happy with it," expressed Anderson, while on the Tailenders podcast.
I'm happy I've made it this far: Anderson
The seasoned campaigner, who recently reached the remarkable milestone of joining the 700-wicket club in Tests during the Test series in India earlier this year, mentioned that while he occasionally feels reluctant to retire, he's also appreciative of how far he's come in his career, considering the neglibglible minority who get the chance to retire post the ripe age of 40, let alone fast-bowlers like him.
"Not many people in sport get the chance to retire over the age of 40. I'm happy I've made it this far," added Anderson.
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