James Anderson, the legendary English seam bowler, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first pacer to reach the milestone of 700 wickets. However, despite this remarkable achievement, Anderson remains unfazed, prioritizing team success over personal accolades.
Anderson’s historic feat came on the final morning of England’s 4-1 series loss in India. With Kuldeep Yadav caught behind, Anderson joined the elite club of bowlers with 700 Test wickets, a feat previously accomplished only by spinners Muthiah Muralidharan and Shane Warne.
Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Anderson expressed mixed emotions. “It was a nice moment, but I don’t know how I feel,” he said. “I would’ve felt more excited if we’d have won the Test or the series.”
Anderson’s humility stems from his unwavering focus on team performance. “I don’t play cricket to get the milestones. I want to win games,” he emphasized. “That’s why I’m probably a little bit flat now, because we’ve lost 4-1 in this series.”
Despite the disappointing result, Anderson remains optimistic about England’s future. “We’ve stuck together really well, we really enjoy being together as a group and there is more to come from this team,” he said.
At 41 years old, Anderson’s longevity and fitness are remarkable. He attributes his success to his unwavering dedication to training and his love for the game. “I’m not getting any worse,” he said. “I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
Anderson’s 700th wicket is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering spirit. While he may not seek personal glory, his achievement will forever be etched in the history of Test cricket.
