Milestone man Anderson hungry for more wickets

Anderson is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests and reached the milestone by dismissing Pakistan captain Azhar Ali in the third Test here on Tuesday. Anil Kumble has 619 wickets to his name and is behind Muralitharan (800) and Warne (708). Speaking after the drawn game, Anderson made his intentions clear.

 “I chatted to captain Joe Root and he said that he would like me to be in Australia (for the Ashes next year). I don’t see any reason why I can’t be. I am working hard on my fitness all the time. I am working hard on my game,” he was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNcricinfo’.

 “I didn’t bowl as well as I would have liked for the whole summer. But in the third Test, I was really on it. I feel like I have still got stuff to offer this team. As long as I feel like that, I will keep going. I don’t think I have won my last Test matches as an England cricketer yet. Can I reach 700? Why not?” 

Anderson claimed his 29th five-wicket haul in the third Test and only the great Richard Hadlee has more among seam bowlers. He said that his hunger to perform has not diminished and added that is what keeps him going.

 “We are still in the Test championship. There are still series ahead of us and Test matches to win. That is all I am 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.

 “I will keep working hard in the gym and keep myself available for selection. There will be decisions along the way with the selectors, coach and captain about how the team moves forward. But, as long as they want me around, I will work hard and try to prove I am good enough to play in this team.”

 Talking about his 600 wickets, Anderson added: “I have worked really hard with my skills over the years and I am fortunate enough that I got to do it at the top level. Looking back at that first Test (in 2003), I never thought I would get anywhere near 600 Test wickets. I just feel very fortunate and privileged.”

 England vs Pakistan Third Test brief scores: England (1st innings) 583 for 8 decl. in 154.4 overs drew with Pakistan (1st innings) 273 all-out in 93 overs & (following on in 2nd innings) 187 for 4 in 83.1 overs.