James Anderson wants to play cricket until he is in his 40's

35-year old England spearhead James Anderson is in no mood to hang up his boots anytime soon. The Lancashire-born cricketer feels that he can play until he is in his 40’s.  He also added that there’s “no reason” this summer’s tour of Australia should be his last Ashes trip. The fast bowler turned 35, couple of months back, and he is approaching towards the 500-wickets landmark.

Anderson has currently got 497 Test wickets from 128 matches., at an outstanding average of 27.74. He has also scalped 23 5-wicket hauls so far. In ODIs, the pacer has picked up 269 wickets from 194 games at an economy of just 4.92. Anderson is currently participating in the Test series against West Indies and has already notched up 10 victims, including a five-for in the Leeds Test match.

“All I will try and do is stay fit and stay in form,” Anderson said at Old Trafford on Thursday. “That is my job for the foreseeable future and while I do the numbers should keep going up.”They will go in the right direction and let’s see where I get to.”.

3 wickets away from history

Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker, is just three wickets away from becoming the third fast bowler to take 500 wickets. Australia’s legendary pacer Glenn McGrath (563) and West Indies great Courtney Walsh(519) are a part of the elite group. Anderson said”I can’t bowl at 90mph anymore, (but) if you look at most bowlers in the history of the game – the two guys (fast bowlers) who got 500 wickets, Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh, weren’t bowling at 90 at the end of their careers.”

McGrath called time on his career at the age of 36, while Walsh left the scene at 38. Anderson is confident of playing till his 40’s, and he sees no reason why he shouldn’t be playing the 2021-22 Ashes in Australia.  “I wouldn’t rule it out, no. I’m very fortunate to have the body I have,” Anderson said. “For a fast bowler, not much stress goes through my body. A lot less than a lot of other fast bowlers. It’s just a case of looking after myself. “If I can keep fit, keep my speeds up, there’s no reason why not.”