Legends League Cricket 2024: Know LLC's full schedule, squads, timings, where to watch and everything you need to know
'I hope he takes all 20 wickets': Ben Stokes makes unreal wish ahead of James Anderson's farewell Test
Ben Stokes does not doubt James Anderson's world-class skillset and wants him to go on a high like Stuart Broad did in Ashes 2023.
England captain Ben Stokes wishes to see veteran pacer James Anderson take all 20 wickets against West Indies in his farewell Test at Lord's, London starting July 10. Stokes lauded Anderson for his skills that make him the word-class bowler he is but feels it was time to look ahead prepare for the away Ashes series next year.
Stokes recalled how Stuart Broad retired on a high last year and wants the same for Anderson who made his debut a decade before him.
"I hope he takes all 20 wickets if I’m being honest. I listened to Stuart talk about his retirement and wanting to go out on top and there was one thing he said that even made me think about when the time comes for me to go. He said: ‘I didn’t want a new player to come in and go I thought Stuart Broad was meant to be good. I thought: ‘Yeah that is a good thing to think about,” Stokes told The Telegraph.
"Jimmy’s skillset is obviously still good enough for international cricket. But we have to make big decisions and we have got the Ashes to think about in 18 months’ time. Nobody will ever say, ‘Oh is that Jimmy Anderson? I thought he was meant to be good’ because he is still incredible," he added.
Stokes ready to bowl with knee at its best
Stokes also gave an update on his knee that troubled him last year and forced the all-rounder to opt for surgery.
"The bowling is coming on really well. It is great to be able to sit here after two years not knowing how it was going to be on a day to day basis to now being as good as gold. It is really refreshing for me as a player and captain knowing we can always have four seamers. It balances the team so much better. I know I offer the team so much more when playing a bigger role with bat and ball. The knee is the best it has been for a long time," the 33-year-old said.
Anderson’s chance to go past Warne
Anderson has played 187 Tests so far with 700 wickets to his name including five 32 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls in the match. The 41-year-old has most wickets for a pacer by far. He also has a chance to become the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test cricket. Australia's Shane Warne has 708 wickets from 145 Tests whereas Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan is on top with 800 wickets.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
David Warner takes U-turn from retirement, clears availability for Champions Trophy 2025
Popular Posts
'Babar Babar karte rahe... 40 over khila denge': Sarfaraz Ahmed brutally mocks at Babar Azam in Pakistan Champions Cup clash - WATCH
WATCH: Under-fire Babar Azam shuts critics with sizzling century to propel Stallions to 271-run total against Dolphins in Pakistan's Champions Cup
Rahul Dravid's big statement on Gautam Gambhir's coaching style amidst IND vs BAN Test series, says 'He has got a lot of...'
Ravichandran Ashwin joins special club led by Rahul Dravid with century in IND vs BAN 1st Test
R Ashwin-Ravindra Jadeja combine to script history, notch massive record with 195-run partnership on Day 1 of 1st Test against Bangladesh
R Ashwin reveals how Rishabh Pant inspired him to rescue India with phenomenal hundred in 1st Test vs BAN, says 'On a surface like this...'
Ravichandran Ashwin joins Kapil Dev, Ian Botham in elite list, becomes fifth player to reach this historic milestone
IND vs BAN, 1st Test: Ashwin's counter-attacking century, Jadeja's robust 86 rally India to strong 339/6 to frustrate Bangladesh after top-order collapse
Big blow to Australia ahead of T20 World Cup 2024, star all-rounders involved in nasty collision during warm-up before T20I vs New Zealand