‘SIR’ JAMES READY FOR AUSTRALIA SLEDGING
JAMES Anderson says he’s not bothered about having to wait for his knighthood.
The England and Lancashire bowler was tipped to become Sir James in the New Year honours. But an insider reveals that they didn’t want him to have the gong while he was still playing.
The 38-year-old won’t have to wait long for his honour which is richly deserved after he passed the 600 mark for Test wickets.
And it’s thought that there was a worry about Anderson being sledged by the Aussies next winter if he was a “Sir”.
The bowler himself thinks he’ll come in for plenty of stick either way. He said: “I’m sure it won’t stop them sledging me anyway, to be honest. I pretty much get a big barrage when I go there anyway. I’m looking forward to that with or without that.”
Anderson is adamant that he will play a full part in the coming summer before taking on the old enemy again.
He added: “I’ve got myself in really good shape – I’d say I’m in as good shape as I have been in my 30s if not better to be honest.
“I feel fantastic. We’ve had quite a long time off so that helps as well – getting stronger in the gym, keeping fit. I’m just trying to focus on the here and now and getting ready to play in these Test matches this winter.”
Anderson is currently in Sri Lanka preparing for the upcoming Tests.
The tour has not got off to the greatest start with the news that Moeen Ali has tested positive for Covid.
The Warwickshire allrounder will now have to self-isolate in his hotel room for ten days ahead of the opening test on January 14.
His county team-mate Chris Woakes is a close contact and also has to isolate.
An ECB spokesman said: “Ali will now observe a period of 10days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine.
“Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing.
“The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time before starting training.”