James Anderson wants young pacers to prioritize Test cricket over shorter formats
Cricket
James Anderson wants young pacers to prioritize Test cricket over shorter formats
(Web Desk) - James Anderson, England legendary fast bowler, expressed his hope that the next generation will embrace the rewards and trials of the five-day format instead of chasing rich short-format possibilities.
On Wednesday, the Lancashire bowler will play his 188th and last Test match at Lord's against the West Indies, capping an incredible 20-year career. With more than 700 wickets as a fast bowler, Anderson has achieved an incredible task and set the direction for the coming generations to follow.
He said the game has witnessed major changes since his 2003 debut against Zimbabwe at Lord's as nowadays, players frequently choose to compete in Twenty20 franchise tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the more conventional Test format because of the financial opportunities.
For fast bowlers, the lighter workload of T20 cricket is appealing. However, Anderson emphasized that Test cricket has profoundly shaped his character and career.
"Test cricket is literally the reason that I am the person that I am," Anderson said. "It has taught me so many lessons through the years, built my resilience. The fulfilment you get from putting in a shift in a day's cricket is different from anything else."
Anderson chose to focus on Test cricket, retiring early from white-ball formats to prolong his Test career. He ranks third on the all-time wicket-takers list, behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Though acknowledging the financial aspect of T20 cricket, Anderson finds greater satisfaction in the intricate battles of Test matches.
"I know you can earn a lot of money from bowling four overs in T20 cricket, but for me, personally, I would never get the same sort of joy or fulfilment," he added.
Anderson, turning 42 later this month, insists he is still performing at his peak. "It's difficult to say. I've not really got a choice," he remarked when asked if he could continue playing.
