One of the greatest pace bowlers to ever play the Test matches, England’s James Anderson has said that he gets frustrated when people suggest him to slow down due to his age in order to continue executing his plans and performance for his side.
"The thing that frustrates me the most... And it happens in this country more than most: you get to a certain age and people begin saying you have to start slowing down or you’re losing the ability to do your job. But I’m not sure from my own experience that’s the case," Anderson said to The Guardian.
Instead, he draws inspiration from stalwarts of other sports who have not dropped their guard down and improved their performances with age. He pointed towards the success of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tom Brady, Roger Federer, Chris Thompson while dismissing those suggestions of slowing down in order to fight an ageing body.
"And you draw comfort from seeing people across other sports, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic getting another contract at Milan [aged 39], Tom Brady winning his seventh Super Bowl at 43, Roger Federer [39] overcoming injuries or Chris Thompson qualifying for the Olympic marathon at 40. It makes you think, why should I start slowing down?" Anderson added.
However, Anderson said he will miss Test cricket the most after his retirement. He said the fact that Test cricket seeks intensity over five days takes players on a rollercoaster of emotions which he will find hard to substitute when his playing days will be over for England.
"Do you know what, that’s the bit I’ll miss the most? There is nothing like it. Cricket has moved away from the image of cucumber sandwiches and big teas. It’s intense and Test cricket is five days of having to cope with that. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges you physically as well. It’s amazing. I just love it. I know I won’t ever be able to find a substitute for it. When I do eventually retire, hopefully, it will be when I have had enough and so I enjoy whatever comes next. I know it’s going to be different. But that’s life,” Anderson added.
Addressing the question if he is seeking to achieve any personal milestone, Anderson said that he is not aspiring for any specific personal goal and instead he is working towards contributing to the growth of the highly competitive England team.
"There’s no real goals for me, personally. I honestly don’t look at the number of wickets I want to take or anything like that. I just look at the talent we’ve got in the England Test team and I feel I can still offer something on and off the field. And I love being a part of that growth."
Anderson is the most successful pace bowler to have played the longest format with 614 scalps from 160 Test matches at an astounding average of 26.46 runs per wicket and strike rate of 55.9 balls per wicket.