‘700-wicket carrot dangling in front of him’ – Stuart Broad on James Anderson’s future

Stuart Broad and James Anderson 2009. (Photo Source : Twitter)

The fast-bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad gave many top batters sleepless nights amd their potential to run through batting lineups was a sight to behold for cricket enthusiasts. The latter had a fantastic Ashes series where he ended as the highest wicket-taker for England. The 37-year-old played his last international game at Kennington Oval, London in the fifth Ashes Test and took the wicket of Alex Carey off his final delivery for England.

Anderson, who is 41 years old, is still a part of the England setup and Broad hoped that the legendary seamer would take his Test wickets tally to 700 in the near future. The Burnley-born currently has 690 wickets.

“He’s got some wickets to take. I know that in his mind he’s got that carrot dangling in front of him of 700 Test match wickets, which is an incredible club if he can join that. We all wish that he can,” Broad said while speaking to Sky Sports.

Broad opined that Anderson is doing well physically and has the hunger to extend his career at the top level. The two friends recently did a few commentary stints together and Broad hoped that after Anderson’s retirement, maybe, they could reunite in the commentary box.

“He’s 41 and he’s still doing really well. Physically, he’s still in fantastic condition. He’s still really enjoying it and has a huge hunger to continue. We did a couple of commentary stints together and really enjoyed our time doing that. Hopefully, in the future, that might be a little sign of things to come,” Broad stated.

James Anderson had a disappointing Ashes 2023

England’s most experienced bowler was a long way off his lofty standards in the recently-concluded Ashes. In the four matches the veteran played, he could only pick up five wickets at an average of 85.40. England will travel to India to play a five-match Test series between January and March 2024.

Anderson will be hoping to use his experience and guide England to a series win in India for the first time since 2012. In 13 Tests in India, Anderson has picked up 34 wickets at an average of 29.32 and a strike rate of 66.2.