On Sunday, in the second Test between India and England at Lord’s, James Anderson helped England inflict a humiliating innings defeat on the tourists with match figures of 9 for 43. In the process Anderson became the first bowler to take a hundred wickets at Lord’s — thus becoming the first pacer (and non-Sri Lankan) to reach the milestone at any ground.
Anderson also became the fifth bowler to take 550 Test wickets, and broke the 900-point barrier in ICC Test rankings, the first time an Englishman has done this since Ian Botham in 1980.
Now, in an interview with cricket.com.au, England coach Trevor Bayliss believes that even at 36, Anderson has got several years of international cricket left in him: “I don’t think there’s any age. He keeps surprising everyone. As long as he keeps his body fit there’s no reason why he can’t go on for three or four years.
“A lot of other bowlers do start to drop off mid-30s or so. It’s only the very, very best that are able to keep it going. I think he’s showing that he is the very, very best.”
“He’s not just good when the conditions suit him, but in these conditions he’s the best in the world,” Bayliss continued. “It’s a test for any batsman in the world to try to face him in these conditions.”
When asked about India’s batting difficulties on the tour, Bayliss commented: “When the ball is swinging around they have some difficulties, as when it’s spinning and we go to the subcontinent. They have some extremely good players, so our job is to try and stay on top.”
Anderson nursed a shoulder injury in the early part of summer, returning to competitive cricket quite recently. He also has a spectacular record at Trent Bridge (60 wickets from 9 Tests at 18.95), venue of the third Test of the five-match series.
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