James Anderson made his Test debut almost 20 years ago
(Picture: Getty Images)James Anderson will play his first Test match since his 40th birthday when England meet South Africa at Lord’s but he does not believe another fast bowler will be “stupid” enough to play until his age, given the rise of T20 cricket.
Anderson has played 172 Tests since his debut in 2003, picking up 657 wickets, more than any other fast bowler.
If he picks up a wicket this week he will become England’s first specialist fast bowler to take a Test wicket after his 40th birthday since Les Jackson in 1961. Anderson accepts that he is a dying breed.
“Maybe [Stuart Broad] but definitely not after that because no-one will be stupid enough,” he said, when asked if another quick would play post-40.
“Everything that has gone in the world with franchise cricket, the Hundred, the short forms of the game, I can’t see anyone wanting to play Test cricket for this long.”
Recently Trent Boult gave up his contract with New Zealand cricket to allow him to spend more time with his family and play more franchise cricket. While his Test career is not necessarily over, his Black Caps schedule will be reduced. Anderson believes this is a significant decision.
“It is because he is such a high-profile international player and I can definitely see it happening more and more now, particularly with bowlers,” he said.
“I think Broady will say the same that we were fortunate our white-ball careers pretty much ended after that World Cup and we could focus on red-ball cricket. That worked out great for us. In the future, I can see it definitely being the other way round – with people picking and choosing their formats, tours, whatever it might be.
“I think it is [sad] because Test cricket will probably bear the brunt of it. The easiest thing to do for bowlers is bowl four overs or 20 balls. It takes nothing out of you. And if you’re getting paid just as well it probably makes sense – it will tempt more people than not.”
Anderson admitted pride that he was still going strong.
“I feel proud I’ve got to where I have,” he said. “I feel fortunate as well that I’ve still got the love for the game and the desire to get better and still do the training and the nets and whatever else that comes with it.“
Because with a lot of people that’s the first thing that goes and that’s when you start slowing down and winding down. But for me, I feel like that passion is still there. So I feel fortunate for that. I feel fortunate that my body’s still functioning properly and allowing me to do the job that I love.
“When the scoreboard ticks over you just don’t really take too much notice of it, you start again as a batter – I’ve not really got to 40 much in my career – but when you do hit a milestone you try and reset and go again.
“That’s exactly my mindset is it’s just a number and next to my name, it’s not how I feel, I don’t feel old or like I’m slowing down or anything.
“The last few weeks I’ve been training hard and trying to work on bowling again, just keep that ticking over and then the last couple of days practice here I feel great, great rhythm so hopefully I can show that form on the field.”
Asked if he had been tempted to give up at any point, Anderson joked: “Probably the last three tours of Australia!
“The biggest one is when you get an injury. That’s the only time I’d ever think ‘can I be bothered going through the whole rehab process?’ A few years ago, I had quite a few calf issues. That’s when you’ve got think about whether you want to do it or not. Do you go through that rehab process again to come back? But fortunately the people around me, family and friends, the lads in the dressing room, medical team, have all helped me stay on track.
“But, playing-wise, when I’m fit, I love every minute of it even when it’s hard and we’re up against it. It’s an amazing game to play. There’s nothing better than Test cricket for me so I will do that for as long as I possibly can.”
