James Anderson returned to England’s starting XI for the 4th Ashes 2023 Test, which kick-started on Wednesday at his home ground of Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Anderson played in the first two Tests before missing the third Test and now replaces Ollie Robinson in the side for the 4th Test.
It hasn’t been a fruitful Ashes 2023 so far for England’s greatest pacer: he picked up only three wickets at an average of 75.33 in the first two Tests, although he was a bit unlucky with some catch drops, and he’s kept a tidy economy of 2.93.
This could well be the last Test match at his home ground for Anderson, and potentially the last Ashes series for James Anderson who will turn 41 of age later this month at the end of July.
Among pacers, English Seamer Anderson wickets tally of 688 Test wickets is the most of all-time, and Old Trafford Test is his 182nd Test; only Sachin Tendulkar has played more Test matches than Anderson. His partner-in-crime for a long time, Stuart Broad, who recently turned 37, has taken 598 wickets in 165 Tests.
Pat Cummins jokes about bowling at the age of 41, pays tribute to James Anderson and Broad
Ahead of the 4th Test in Manchester, Australia captain Pat Cummins was asked by a journalist about James Anderson, running in and bowling with the new ball at the age of almost 41. The journalist niggled Cummins whether he would be able to do that 11 years down the road when he will be 41.
Pat Cummins had a big smile on his face when listening to this question and said he’s unlikely to be playing at the age of 41. He went on to hail both Anderson and Broad for their determination and their success, for defying age as fast bowlers.
Pat Cummins said: “I’m 30, I feel 41. Incredible feat [by Anderson] to still be at the top of your game, still one of the best bowlers in the world at 41, and Broad in his high-30s. That’s a serious achievement.”
The Aussie skipper pointed out that his bowling partner Mitchell Starc has featured in 80 Tests and is 33 years old. Cummins is 30 and has played in 53 Test matches, while Anderson and Broad have double that of Starc.
Watch:
Will we see Pat Cummins take the new ball at 41? 😅#CricketTwitter #Ashes #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/mNtezflx7h
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 19, 2023
