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

By Balakrishna

Modified Jul 30, 2023 21:59 IST

James Anderson during the England v Australia - LV= Insurance Ashes 5th Test Match: Day Four

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:

"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:

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

About the author

Balakrishna has been a cricket writer at Sportskeeda for almost seven years. A sport that he has been following and playing since he was eight, Balakrishna enjoys the intensity of the sport, skills and strategies applied to get a result out of nowhere, and the thrill that it gives. He also played as a medium pace bowling all-rounder in four inter-college tournaments, winning twice.

Balakrishna’s all-time favorite cricketers are Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. He admires Sachin’s stellar performances against legendary bowlers, along with his discipline and humility. Meanwhile, he is a big fan of how Rohit turned around his initial struggles to build a successful career.

He avidly supports Team India and 2016 IPL winners SunRisers Hyderabad. The first World Cup that Balakrishna ever saw was the 2003 World Cup, when Australia comprehensively triumphed over India in the final.

While working, he ensures he only uses reliable sources and provides relevant, ethical, and accurate information. When not working, Balakrishna enjoys playing table tennis and reading non-fiction books.

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