England veteran James Anderson scripted history on Tuesday as he became the first pace bowler to breach the 600-wicket mark in Test cricket when he dismissed Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali. Having made his debut in the longest format back in 2003, Anderson continues going strong despite being aged 38 years old. Already being categorised as the GOAT among pace bowlers, he has now set sight on breaching 700-wicket mark.
Targeting the Ashes against Australia next which will be held Down Under next year, the veteran paceman said that he is hoping to be there donning the whites for his country and doing the same he has been for 17 years now.
“I’ve chatted to Joe about this a little bit and he has said he would like me to be in Australia,” Anderson said. “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.
When asked if he could even think about taking 700 wickets, Anderson’s answer was in the affirmative. “Can I reach 700? Why not?”, he said, hence quashing all speculations about his retirement.
Anderson’s ardent fans fear that the England superstar might call it a day after reaching another great milestone in his illustrious career. But he isn’t anywhere near in that frame of mind where he could start contemplating his future in international cricket.
“We’re still in the Test championship,” Anderson said. “There are still series ahead of us and Test matches to win. That’s all I’m really interested in.
