The three-match Test series between England and South Africa is all set to get underway on Wednesday (August 17) at Lord’s.
The series will see veteran England pacer James Anderson becoming the first forty-plus cricketer to play Test cricket since his compatriot Graham Gooch.
On the eve of the first Test, Anderson said he doesn't see anybody wanting to play the longest format of the game for this long after his teammate Stuart Broad, who turned 36 in June this year.
"Definitely not after that because no-one will be stupid enough. Everything that has gone in the world with franchise cricket, the Hundred, short forms of the game, I can't see anyone wanting to play Test cricket for this long," Anderson told ESPNcricinfo.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Anderson said: "I feel proud to have got to where I have. 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."
Recently, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed to release senior pacer Trent Boult from its player contract list, allowing him to spend more time with his family and feature in domestic leagues around the globe.
The 33-year-old requested to be released and after a series of conversations with NZC, the cricket board accepted his request.
The recent development raises a big question mark on Boult's international future and Anderson also expresses his sadness over the same.
"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. It is [a big deal that Boult made this choice] because he is such a high-profile international player and I can definitely see it happening more and more now, particularly with bowlers," Anderson stated.
