James Anderson has had a marthon international career. The right-arm speedster continues to be a dependable bowler in England's Test squad has not missed a single tour of India since his debut. At 41, Anderson is nearing wicket number 700. He is the pacer with the maximum number of wickets in this format and that speaks of the longevity and consistency that he has had over his year.
Two of his present England teammates Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed were not even born when Anderson played his first Test way back in 2003. However, he is no mood to retire. Not only does he look fit as a fiddle but remains hungry to perform and make an impact. There is no dip in his form either. It is in this context that when a spectator in Ranchi came up with a poster which read: "I will start to study when James Anderson retires", Ravi Shastri's reaction on it went viral.
Shastri who is known for his straightforward take on things, was on air when he the poster was shown by the cameraman. While narrating the passage of play when he saw the poster, he said: "You've got to wait, young man. You are not studying soon, go on a long holiday. It is not happening any time soon," he said.
James Anderson's First-Class Record
Anderson has picked over 1100 wickets in a remarkable first-class career. The quadragenarian who made his days' cricket debut in 2002 has managed those scalps in 294 outings, a stat which left Shastri further impressed.
"Got to respect and admire the individual for his sheer longevity. To be around for so long and continue playing at the top level is superb," he added on air.
Anderson picked the early wicket of Rohit Sharma to give England an early break through in India's first innings of their ongoing fouth Test against Ranchi.