"Still gutted to have dropped that catch" - James Anderson rues not taking the 705th wicket in his final Test
Retired England seamer James Anderson revealed that it still pinches him to miss the catch off his bowling on day 3 of the 1st Test against the West Indies at Lord's. However, the 41-year-old took pride in playing for 20 years, claiming it to be an impressive feat for a fast bowler.
With 704 wickets in a staggering 188 Tests, Anderson ended his illustrious 21-year-old Test career at Lords, where he also began it. The Lancashire bowler had the chance to take his 705th wicket and create the most fitting end when Gudakesh Motie chipped one back to him. However, the veteran failed to hold on and was down on his knees.
Speaking to Sky Sports after England's innings and 114-run victory, the right-arm seamer said he has been lucky enough to be free of injuries for a long time:
"I'm still gutted to have dropped that catch to be honest. But yeah, it's been an amazing week. I've been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground and the lads as well, just proud of what I've achieved. I'm just really proud of playing for 20-odd years. [It] is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler. Happy that I've been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career."
The 41-year-old crossed Ian Botham's tally of 383 wickets in 2015 to become the highest wicket-taker for England. He crossed Glenn McGrath's 563 victims in 2018 to become the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Tests, but Anderson's 704 is highly unlikely to be overhauled by any bowler anytime soon.
"I think you've got to have a bit of a sadistic side to be a fast bowler" - James Anderson
Anderson added that he has never been complacent as he always looks for ways to improve and enjoys that responsibility, elaborating:
"I've never really felt great at any stage. I know it sounds strange, but I've always tried to think, 'How am I going to get better for the next series?' Thinking like that has helped me play for such a long time, the thought that I need to get better and keep improving to stay at this level."
"Fast bowling is hard work, but I think you've got to have a bit of a sadistic side to be a fast bowler because it does hurt but I think I've never really shirked away from my responsibilities, I enjoy them."
With the legendary bowler retired, England are likely to bring in Matthew Potts and Dillon Pennington for the 2nd Test.