James Anderson has been a legendary test bowler and arguably the best test pace bowler if the statistics are considered. Right from his debut in 2002, he has shown his class by swinging the red cherry in both directions and causing trouble for the best of the batters. He has grown in stature all through his playing career. Now, at 42 years old, he is still bowling his heart out and competing with the best in the business. The sheer longevity of his playing career shows the way he has taken care of his fitness, and he has aged like a fine wine.
In the fifth test match between India and England in Dharamshala, Anderson scalped his 700th test wicket and reached a legendary figure and landmark. He is now ranked at number 3 in the list of highest wicket-takers in tests. Anderson has played 187 test matches in his career, which itself is a distant dream for 90 per cent of modern players, and has taken 700 wickets at an average of 26.53. These are incredible stats. It will be quite impressive for any pace bowler to come close to the stats that Anderson has in his kitty.
Now, Stuart Broad, the former England pacer who announced his retirement after the Ashes 2023, has come out with a statement after Anderson reached the 700-wicket landmark. Braod is himself a legend of the game and has been a partner in crime with Anderson in dismantling batting line-ups.
Stuart Broad Breaks Silence After James Anderson Gets His 700th Test Wicket
Stuart Broad expressed a sense of personal admiration and affection for his teammate James Anderson, sharing his hopes and feelings about Anderson’s milestone achievement. Broad admitted to feeling a bit selfish, as he wished Anderson would reach his 700th Test wicket during a match at Lord’s, allowing Broad and other England fans to witness the historic moment firsthand.
Broad revealed the depth of his bond with Anderson, mentioning their close working relationship throughout the years. He expressed a heartfelt desire to be among the ten players walking off the field behind Anderson, applauding his achievement and showing their support.
“Selfishly, part of me was hoping he’d be on 699 coming back to Lord’s this summer and that I could be there to witness it with so many other England fans. Given our close working relationship over the years, I’d have loved to be one of the 10 guys walking off behind him, giving him a clap,” wrote Broad in his column for Daily Mail on Sunday.
He added: “How long will he go on for as a Test bowler? It’s a question people will naturally ask but I honestly have no idea. Jimmy’s an addict, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. It’s so ingrained in him that he sometimes gives the impression that he wants to retire at the traditional UK age of 65.”
