'Why not?' - James Anderson confident of picking 700 wickets in illustrious Test career

England and Pakistan locked horns during the final day of the 3rd Test at Rose Bowl in Southampton, and it ended in a draw. The hosts have walked off by winning the Test series 1-0, where two Tests resulted in draws. England won the opening Test in Manchester by three wickets. What has been historic amid this series is that England’s James Anderson picked 600 Test wickets on the final day.

It is for the first time in the history of world cricket, that a fast bowler achieved the feat. He achieved this milestone when he had Azhar Ali caught off his bowling towards the end of the last day of the 3rd Test. The 38-year-old has no plans of hanging boots shortly and says that England management has asked him to be in action until the next Ashes in 2020-21.

Anderson stated, “I’ve chatted to Joe [Root] about this a little bit, and he has said he would like me to be in Australia, I don’t see any reason why I can’t be. I’m working hard on my fitness all the time. I’m working hard on my game.

“I didn’t bowl as well as I’d have liked for the whole summer. But in this Test, I was really on it, and I feel like I’ve still got stuff to offer this team. As long as I still feel like that I think I’ll keep going. I don’t think I’ve won my last Test matches as an England cricketer yet.”

Would like to continue as long as I am in form : James Anderson

Clearing his mind on yet another milestone that is 700th wicket of his career, Jimmy was confident enough to speak, “Can I reach 700? Why not?”

It is rare as well as difficult for a fast bowler to have such endurance and longevity, but Anderson is moving up with his energy levels being all high. He will be 39 when next Ashes commence but is determined enough to prove his worth yet again in the World Test Championship.

“We’re still in the Test championship,” there are still series ahead of us and Test matches to win. That’s all I’m really interested in.

“There will be decisions along the way with the selectors and coach and captain around how the team moves forward, but as long as they want me around I’ll keep working hard and try to prove I’m good enough to play in this team,” he added.