"Hope he takes all 20 wickets" - Ben Stokes' wish for James Anderson ahead of legendary pacer's farewell Test
England captain Ben Stokes hopes to see James Anderson take all 20 wickets as the veteran gears up for his 188th and final Test. The 33-year-old opined that Anderson's skills are still world-class, but feels the time to prepare for the away Ashes series next year is now.
Having made his debut in 2003, Anderson will finish his career at Lord's when England face the West Indies in the opening Test of the summer. The Lancashire bowler will finish his career as the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests and has the opportunity to finish even as the second-highest overall.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Stokes remembered how Stuart Broad underlined his desire to go out on top and suggested wanting the same for Anderson.
"I hope he takes all 20 wickets if I’m being honest. I listened to Stuart talk about his retirement and wanting to go out on top and there was one thing he said that even made me think about when the time comes for me to go. He said: ‘I didn’t want a new player to come in and go I thought Stuart Broad was meant to be good. I thought: ‘Yeah that is a good thing to think about.’"
He added:
"Jimmy’s skillset is obviously still good enough for international cricket. But we have to make big decisions and we have got the Ashes to think about in 18 months’ time. Nobody will ever say, ‘Oh is that Jimmy Anderson? I thought he was meant to be good’ because he is still incredible."
Anderson had a forgettable 2023 home summer when England hosted Australia for the Ashes. He managed only five wickets in four matches with a dismal average of 85.40.
"The knee is the best it has been for a long time" - Ben Stokes
With Stokes struggling to roll his arms regularly since February 2023, the ace all-rounder revealed that it has progressed quite well. The skipper said it's a relief knowing he can fulfil all the facets effectively, adding:
"The bowling is coming on really well. It is great to be able to sit here after two years not knowing how it was going to be on a day to day basis to now being as good as gold. It is really refreshing for me as a player and captain knowing we can always have four seamers. It balances the team so much better. I know I offer the team so much more when playing a bigger role with bat and ball. The knee is the best it has been for a long time."
The tour of India earlier this year saw Stokes bowl only in the fifth and final Test of the series.