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As England’s veteran seamer, James Anderson, takes the field in the ongoing third Test against India, he stands on the brink of an extraordinary milestone. Currently featuring in his 185th Test match, surpassing all fast bowlers and second only to Sachin Tendulkar‘s record (200), Anderson is nearing the historic achievement of 700 Test wickets. This imminent feat will mark a unique and remarkable accomplishment for the seasoned bowler, adding another illustrious chapter to his storied career.
A storied career of James Anderson
Anderson’s scintillating journey encompasses 696 wickets in 185 Tests, registering his position as the fast bowler with the highest wicket count in red-ball cricket. Approaching the remarkable 700-wicket threshold, he follows in the hallowed footsteps of cricket legends Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets).
The ongoing retirement debate
Despite being 41-year-old, Anderson continues to lead England’s bowling attack with undiminished zeal. While discussions surrounding Anderson’s retirement have been a constant backdrop, particularly in recent years, he remained steadfast in his focus on concluding his career on a high note.
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Anderson’s response
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, he expressed his aspiration to emulate Eoin Morgan’s retirement announcement, choosing to retire on his own terms and on a nice note. He considered himself fortunate to be in a position free from injuries or selection concerns and wishes to bid farewell on his terms rather than being compelled to retire.
“I would like to be able to go out on a nice note. I don’t want to drag it out and people are thinking: ‘Can you just do one.’ Morgs [Eoin Morgan] last year woke up and just knew it was time to call it a day. I am just hoping that is the case,” Anderson said.
“I feel privileged to have got in a position where I can make a decision because, as a bowler, it is usually taken out of your hands with injury or selection. It will be nice to go out on my own terms, but when that will be, you just have to wait and see,” the Burnley-born cricketer concluded.
A grand finale: Anderson’s impact in the current series
In the ongoing series, Anderson has once again demonstrated his bowling prowess, having claimed six crucial wickets across two games at an impressive average of 22.83. As retirement discussions loom, the cricketing community eagerly awaits the final chapters of James Anderson’s illustrious career, anticipating a fitting conclusion to a remarkable journey.
