James Anderson created yet another record after dismissing KL Rahul in the first innings of the ongoing first Test. Rahul was Anderson’s 620th wicket, surpassing Anil Kumble to become the third most successful bowler in Test cricket, only behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
Anderson who made his debut in 2002 is currently 39-years old and has no plans of retiring anytime soon. He has only gotten better with age and has been producing match-winning spells consistently.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook believes that Anderson is still on top of his game and can extend his County career to 50-years of age.
“I think he definitely loves the game. It must be really nice to be at the top of the mark knowing 'if I am on here I am gonna cause this batsman problems', almost on any wicket. I think James Anderson can probably play county cricket until he is 50. His control of length and nibbling it around, on any nibbling wicket he is unplayable,” said Sir Alastair Cook on BBC’s Test Match Special podcast.
Cook added that the most effective way to counter the pace legend is to attack like Rishabh Pant does and target the offside.
“Probably the way you have to play him (James Anderson) is a bit like (Rishabh) Pant. Charge at him and carve him through the off-side a bit,” said the former England skipper.
In July 2021, Anderson had become the first bowler to have debuted in the 21st century and pick 1000 First-Class wickets.
