After becoming the first fast bowler to take 600 wickets in Test cricket, James Anderson said that he can also join the 700 wicket club where only two legendary spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have reached so far. England fast bowler Anderson took his 600th wicket by dismissing Pakistani captain Azhar Ali during the third Test match on Tuesday. He is now fourth in the list of highest wicket-taking bowlers after Muralitharan (800), Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619).
This 38-year-old bowler clearly stated his intentions after the match draw ended. According to ESPNcricinfo, Anderson said, “I talked to Joe (Root) about this and he said that he would like to see me in Australia next year’s Ashes series. I don’t see any reason why I can’t be in the team. I am working hard on my fitness as always. I’m working hard on my game as well.”
He said, “I could not bowl like I wanted to do this summer, but in this Test, I really felt that I can still contribute to this team. As long as I keep feeling like this then I would like to stay in the game. I don’t think I have won my last Test match as an England cricketer. Can I reach 700 wickets? Why not?’
Anderson took five or more wickets in the innings for the 29th time in the third Test. Among the fast bowlers, only Richard Hadley is ahead of them in this matter. He said that the hunger for his wickets will never reduce yet and that is the reason he is playing even now. He said, “Right now the Test Championship is going on we need to play in the Test series and win the Test matches. I am interested in all of them. I still like going to practice every day, working hard, and being in the team to win for England.”
Anderson said, “I only think about it. I will continue to work hard in the gym and keep myself available for selection. It is for the selectors, coaches, and captain to decide how they want to take the team forward, but as long as they want me in the team, I will keep working hard and try to prove that I am on this team I am able to play from.
