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41-year-old James Anderson will hang his boots after playing the first Test of the three-Test series against West Indies. While Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket’s history, he has a chance to become second on two lists at Lord’s, London starting July 10.
Anderson to surpass Kapil
Anderson needs three more wickets to leave legendary India captain Kapil Dev behind. Anderson is third on the list of highest wicket-takers against West Indies in the format. He has 87 wickets from 22 Tests. Kapil is just above him with 89 wickets from 25 Tests. The top spot is occupied by former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath with 110 wickets from 23 Tests.
Anderson to leave Warne behind
While Ben Stokes wishes Anderson takes all 20 wickets at the iconic Lord's stadium, he needs a nine-wicket haul to become the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the longest format of cricket. The Lancashire-born cricketer has 700 scalps from 187 Tests. Australia's legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne has 708 wickets from 145 Tests. It will take a herculean effort from the old guard to go past Warne even if the conditions are favourable. The best Anderson has produced against West Indies is 9/73 in a Test match.
Anderson’s focus is to stop himself from crying
Meanwhile, Anderson’s focus is to keep his composure in his farewell Test as he wants to contribute as usual to the team in anyway possible.
"I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I’d feel about it. I’m trying to be as focused as I can. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well, and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying," said James Anderson in a press conference.
"I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like Broady did. I’ve hit five sixes in my international career. In 188 games, it’s not looking positive hitting a six this week but I’d love to just be able to contribute somehow this week, whether it’s one wicket. That’s the reason I’ve played cricket for so long, to experience those moments of winning series, winning games, in the dressing room after, sharing a beer with the other guys, knowing that everyone’s worked really hard to achieve that goal. I’d love to be able to sit down at the end of the Test match with a beer with all the lads and have them win the game," he added.
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