"Longevity must be officially replaced with James Anderson"- Fans extend special wishes to legendary English pacer as he turns 41

Cricket fans across the globe sent warm wishes to veteran England pacer James Anderson as he turned 41 today (July 30). Having made his Test debut in 2003, the iconic swing bowler is still a key member of England's pace attack.

Anderson is currently part of the England team which is facing Australia in the fifth Ashes 2023 Test at the Kennington Oval in London. James Anderson and Stuart Broad commenced the action with the bat for the home team on day four as the overnight batters and added six runs, taking them to 395 before getting all out. Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy dismissed Anderson via LBW to end England's innings.

Anderson then bowled 10 overs in the final innings of the match but could not get a wicket on his 41st birthday. Australia reached 135/0 in 38 overs in pursuit of a target of 384 before rain interrupted the proceedings. The unrelenting showers for the rest of the day eventually forced the officials to call off play.

On the occasion of Anderson's 41st birthday, fans took to social media platforms to extend special wishes for him throughout Sunday. Here are some of them:

The artist of England with red cherry, ageing like a fine wine, more than 20 years in international cricket, 690 wickets in tests, 269 wickets in ODI, most successful pacer in test cricket.

Happy 41st birthday to James Anderson. pic.twitter.com/y7x76QnRjr

Mitchell Johnson: Why are you chirping now mate, not getting wickets?

James Anderson: 🤫

James Anderson gave Mitchell Johnson instant shut up call🔥

Happy Birthday to all time greatest bowler ever to grace this beautiful game of cricket❤️

#Ashes2023

pic.twitter.com/MnH3LEk4X4

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES ANDERSON pic.twitter.com/ZsAlqbOEpo

Happy 41st Birthday James Anderson 🐐

What a day to celebrate ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LOSGUP3nRN

James Anderson's son and daughter wishing "Happy Birthday Dad" at The Oval.

This is beautiful. pic.twitter.com/QZ0cY7GdCY

Bowlers to Dismiss both Sachin/Kohli
(most times)

22 times - James Anderson
12 times - Graeme Swann
11 times - Nathan Lyon
11 times - Tim Southee
10 times - Mitchell Johnson
10 times - Stuart Broad

Happy Birthday James Anderson pic.twitter.com/OkTxQXsGP7

Crowd Wishing Happy Birthday to James Anderson.

pic.twitter.com/dVM91Qklo1

James Anderson - One of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. 690 wickets in Tests, 977 International wickets. He has most Test wickets by fast bowlers, Most International wickets by fast bowler.

Wishing a very happy birthday to James Anderson. pic.twitter.com/IJqRblYuH5

Happy birthday the legends of cricket james Anderson @jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/x1xEVv9MWY

183 Tests.
977 International wickets.
690 Test wickets.
A career of 20 years already.

Happy Birthday James Anderson

The Greatest There was
The Greatest There is
The Greatest There Will Be

The greatest Fast bowler to ever play the game of cricket. pic.twitter.com/Xmt3ZP3Xa0

Happy Birthday to the king of swing James Anderson OBE,the greatest & fittest pacer of all time👑

3rd most INTL wkts,most by a pacer & among actives (977)
Highest 10th Wkt stand (198) with Root
3rd most test wkts (690)
Most INTL wkts for England
2nd most fifers by a pacer (32) pic.twitter.com/4jSHhlOGuv

Happy Birthday James Anderson

Knock them down, do a little dance, and celebrate!

#Ashes #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/RLtqFD5pTX

Happy Birthday to the extremely talented and age-defying James Anderson.! A true inspiration to bowlers around the world. Your exceptional skill & unmatched passion for the game are truly commendable.

Wishing you season packed with memorable moments.👑

happy birthday @jimmy9 🎂 pic.twitter.com/lu6OTqUSlX

Happy birthday James Anderson
@jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/9eGIW5x7HN

41 years old and still bowling a mile better than most.

Longevity must be officially replaced with James Anderson.
Happy Birthday Jimmy ❤️🐐
@jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/um53WkUiJs

"My skills are as good as they ever have been"- James Anderson on the speculation about his retirement

James Anderson recently said that his skills and body are still in great space and he is not thinking about retirement at the moment. Speaking to Sky Sports during the ongoing Ashes Test, the ace pacer admitted that people have been talking about his retirement for the last six to seven years. Addressing the matter, he said:

"I'd like to [make my own decision]. But I've tried not to listen to the talk, because, for me, that question has been there for the last six years, and even longer than that. As soon as you get into your 30s as a bowler, it's 'how long have you got left?'. And for the last three, four years, I feel like I've bowled as well as I ever have. I feel like I've been bowling with so much control. My body's in a good place. My skills are as good as they ever have been."

The 41-year-old pacer added:

"Yes, I've not got the wickets that I wanted, but I'm still trying to do a job for the team, still trying to help the guy out at the other end as well, trying to create pressure and create something in the game."

In 183 Tests so far, James Anderson has picked up 690 wickets at an average of 26.40, including 32 five-wicket hauls.