James Anderson
James Anderson sets his eyes on 700 Test wickets, another Ashes series
Southampton/UNI: Veteran England pacer James Anderson, who completed a record-breaking 600 Test wickets on Tuesday, has said that he isn't thinking of hanging up his boots, instead eyeing 700 wickets in the format as well as another Ashes series against Australia.
Anderson dismissed Azhar Ali to complete his tally of 600 Test victims, on day five of the final Test against Pakistan, which ended as a draw at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old revealed that the England management has asked him to continue until the next Ashes in 2020-21.
"I've chatted to Joe [Root] about this a little bit and he has said he would like me to be in Australia.I don't see any reason why I can't be. I'm working hard on my fitness all the time. I'm working hard on my game,'' said Anderson.
When asked by reporters if 700 test wickets were now in his sights, the pacer said, "Can I reach 700? Why not? I feel like I still have a lot to offer this team and as long as I feel like that I will keep on going.''
"I will have to be wise about which games I play and which I don't, but that is something for the selectors, coach, captain and medical team to help me with as well. We will discuss what is best for the team and best for me, I guess.
It's not just me saying I will play this one and not that one. We want to play in the best team but be careful of managing workloads. We will try and discuss what is best for the team," he added.
It is rare for a pace bowler to have such longevity but Anderson, who will be 39 when the next Ashes begins, is focused on the World Test Championship and stated that he would keep proving his worth.
"We're still in the Test championship.There are still series ahead of us and Test matches to win. That's all I'm really interested in.
"I still love turning up every day at training, putting in the hard yards and being in the dressing room with the lads trying to forge a win for England. That's all I've really ever bothered about and what I'll keep trying to do. I'll keep working hard in the gym and keeping myself available for selection,'' Anderson said.
"There will be decisions along the way with the selectors and coach and captain around how the team moves forward but as long as they want me around I'll keep working hard and try to prove I'm good enough to play in this team,'' he added.
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