James Anderson: A gritty tale of endurance and longevity
Taking wickets is nothing alien to him. But Azhar Ali’s wicket as Pakistan batted on the 5th day of the third Test of the recently concluded series at the Ageas Bowl, James Anderson did something that no other pacer had done in the history of the game – 600 Test wickets. Anderson is 38. An age by when most of the players either turn coach or commentator, and yet, here is one man who not only picked his 600th wicket but has the desire to go beyond.
How the tale unfolded?
Anderson made his debut for England ages ago in the season of 2002-03. Fast bowlers and injuries usually go hand in hand. But disproving all that, Jimmy has shown what he is made of. He too had his share of injuries but they have never kept him away from the game. Since his international debut against Zimbabwe in May 2003, he has played in 156 Tests and delivered a whopping 33,745 deliveries so far- the most by any pacer. With a rhythmic and classical side-on action, he generates outswing whereas with the old ball he can reverse with ease. Anderson’s range with the ball is good enough to give any batsman a good deal of fright.
During his early days, Anderson was declared as a fast bowler who may not last long at the highest level. But come to 2007 and Jimmy looked different altogether. During those erratic years, the England management tampered with his bowling action which resulted in a loss of rhythm and form. Nevertheless, he kept grinding and working hard. He started swinging the ball and taking heaps of wickets. By the time of 2010 Ashes, when he spearheaded the England attack, he bowled quite incredibly well with the Kookaburra ball and ensured to repeat no mistakes from the past.
Amongst the greats
Over the last 17 years, Anderson has indisputably established himself as one of the greats and most fruitful pacers in not just England’s but cricket’s history. He eclipsed Glenn McGrath’s 563 scalps, the former highest wicket-taker amongst all pacers, in September 2017 when he dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite at Lord’s against the West Indies. In the time gone between his 500th and 600th scalp, it was not always that Jimmy was on a high. His form in the recent summer led to speculations if it is the end of the road for him. But this was of course not the first time.
Anderson returned to his devastating best as he bagged a 7-wicket haul in the Southampton Test to show the world that he still can turn it around. And not just that, but looks to do it for at least a few more years to come for his team. It is not just the numbers like 156 Tests- more than any pacer has ever played, or more than 33,000 deliveries- more than any pacer ever bowled, or 600 wickets that make him what he is. It is his dedication, courage, grit, and hunger that indeed slams in everyone’s face as one of the best bowlers of all time.
