Anderson Sets Sights on English Summer After Claiming 700th Test Wicket in India
Despite becoming the first fast bowler to claim 700 Test wickets, England’s James Anderson is more focused on securing his place in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Anderson recently joined the elite club of Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) as the only players to reach the 700-wicket milestone. However, the 41-year-old downplayed the achievement, expressing disappointment over England’s 4-1 series defeat in the crucial ICC World Test Championship series.
Anderson’s achievement was a highlight of the series, with the seamer taking a total of 10 wickets at an average of 33.50. Despite reaching his 700th Test wicket in the final Test in Dharamsala, Anderson admitted to feeling a sense of emptiness due to England’s poor performance in the latter half of the five-match series.
Reflecting on his milestone, Anderson said, “It was a nice moment and nice to do it at a picturesque ground,” during an interview on the BBC’s Tailenders Podcast. He added, “My dad was here so I had a drink with my dad, which was nice. He was more excited than I was.”
Anderson further expressed that the achievement would have felt more significant had England won the Test or the series.
With a break until July before England’s next World Test Championship series, Anderson is eager to return to training and secure his place in the team for the three-Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka this summer.
As Anderson approaches his 42nd birthday during the series with the West Indies, he faces competition from Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson for a place in England’s pace attack.
Despite the competition, Anderson remains confident in his abilities, stating, “I’m not getting any worse,” and “I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
He added, “I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets. My place in the team is not a given so I’ve got to work hard to prove I’m worth a place in the summer.”