The Ashes: James Anderson Reacts to Completing 2 Decades in Test Cricket

Cricket is a game of fitness, while it is hard for batters to have prolonged consistency, it gets much harder for a fast bowler. Staying at the top of the game for 20 years, becoming the world’s best test bowler at the age of 40, and keeping the opposition on their toes, that has been the career of James Anderson. However, all that glitters is not gold. James Anderson, ahead of this year’s Ashes, completed 20 years in test cricket. The player opened up on the ups and downs of his journey and how he overcame the struggles.

On May 22, 2003, James Anderson walked out representing England at the Lord’s against Zimbabwe and since then, the rest is history. The pacer made great progress in his career from his formative years and has firmly cemented his position as possibly one of the best bowlers in contemporary cricket. James Anderson further expressed his gratitude mentioning the player did not battle with injuries that could affect his career.

“I can’t believe I’m still doing what I’m doing,” says James Anderson

Ahead of the Ashes, speaking to BBC Sport, James Anderson said, “In cricket, I’d have been trying to bowl like Darren Gough against the garage door. It was very hard cricket (at Burnley Cricket Club). In one of my first games, I bowled five wides in the first over and thought ‘This is never going to end’. I soon learned, at 15, that nerves are good. They brought the best out of me. That stood me in good stead. I can’t believe I’m still doing what I’m doing and I feel fortunate and blessed to have had the career that I’ve had. I feel fortunate that I’ve not been blighted too much with injuries.

“Since his debut in 2002, James Anderson has played 179 test matches taking 685 wickets which includes 32 times 4 wicket hauls and as many times 5 wicket hauls. Speaking about limited overs, the player has not played any game since 2015 but has represented England in 194 ODIs and 18 T20Is, having 269 wickets and 18 wickets respectively. This year the Ashes will begin on June 16. While there is no clarity, it may be the last Ashes for a lot of senior players in both teams including the likes of James Anderson too.