‘ I want to play on for years’
JIMMY ANDERSON has fi elded questions about when he was going to retire and how long he can force his body through the rigours of fi ve- day cricket .
His answers have generally been tight- lipped, suggesting, sometimes with a fl ash of mild irritation, that he feels fi ne and has no immediate plans to call it a day.
For the fi rst time in a while the answer he gave yesterday was forthright, open, and tinged with emotion .
“After what happened to James Taylor,” he said. “It has made me appreciate every ball, every over and every day that is still to come in my career. Something like that hits you hard and makes you appreciate not just what you do but life and being healthy.
“I like to think I did that anyway but I feel so fortunate to be doing what I do and that is why I still love playing the game and still want to carry on for years.” When Anderson
‘ I appreciate every ball and every over’
found out about his England team- mate’s heart condition – which brought an immediate end to the 26- year- old’s career and very nearly to his life – his fi rst reaction was shock that someone so young and so fi t could be struck down.
Anderson said: “The more you hear about it though, the more you hear about the actual problems that he has had, you are just happy that he is still with us.
“When you hear that his heart was going at 260 beats per minute, it is frightening to think of what he went through that day and what he is still dealing with now.
“He is not only having to deal with the problems he has with his heart but also that he can’t do the job that he loves any more.”
Anderson admits he has been left with a feeling of gratitude as he counts his own blessings.
He is champing at the bit to get started again this summer as he looks to continue his 13year career at the top and add to his haul of 433 wickets in 113 Tests. “It just seems like a long time since I’ve played for England so I am just looking forward to getting out on the fi eld,” he said.
“I have really enjoyed playing for Lancs so far this season and have one more game this week [ against Hampshire at Old Trafford] before we meet up with England for fi tness testing next Friday.”
With 14 Tests to come this calendar year, starting with the fi rst of three against
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Sri Lanka at Leeds a week on Thursday, four against Pakistan, then two and fi ve against Bangladesh and India respectively on tour at the end of the year, it is no wonder Anderson is still talking about reaching 500 Test wickets.
As to the future, he would make a great bowling coach and admits that the role appeals to him.
Racehorse ownership is a growing hobby and there is also his media work, Anderson having done plenty of radio and some punditry on Sky during the recent World T20 Championship.
The thing that really ticks all the boxes, though, is bowling for England.
And he has never felt more grateful for the chance to be able to do that than he does right now.
Jimmy Anderson is the new face of Brut Sport Style. Follow @ BrutForMen for more information.