Jimmy can make my 100th Test special
I’M DELIGHTED Jimmy Anderson will be out here in time for my 100th Test. He has played a huge part in my career and is a major reason I’ve played as many Tests as I have. We’ve dovetailed really well over the years and I’d have been gutted if he hadn’t been here for such an important personal milestone. I’ve been in touch with him and I know he’s feeling confident he can get into his stride quickly. He’s one of the most experienced bowlers in the world with a very well-grooved action so it shouldn’t take him too long to hit his straps. The security situation means he won’t be able to play in matches away from the main squad but I’m sure he’ll put in plenty of work in the nets and all being well he’ll be a major factor in the series.
MY TOP FIVE TESTS 1 Australia (Trent Bridge 2015)
It’s impossible to look past taking 8-15 as we reclaimed the Ashes on my home ground. It was fairy-tale stuff and I still have to pinch myself to believe it actually happened. I’ll never have better figures in my life. It really was very, very special.
2 Australia (Trent Bridge 2013)
I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous than when Ashton Agar and Phil Hughes chipped away at the victory target. We eventually won by just 14 runs on our way to winning the series and I’ve never felt such relief at not losing a game.
3 South Africa (Wanderers 2016)
Beating South Africa away from home has always been a massive ambition because they are such tough opponents. Taking 6-17 as we bowled them out for 83 in their second innings was pretty memorable.
4 India (Edgbaston 2011)
We bowled out a team containing Tendulkar, Laxman, Sehwag, Dravid and Dhoni cheaply on day one and then Cooky scored 294 as we made 710-7 declared. The bowlers didn’t see the pitch again for two and a half days.
5 Australia (The Oval 2009)
It was Flintoff’s last Test and knowing we had to win it to win the series meant the atmosphere was incredible. It was a breakthrough match for me and gave me the belief I could compete at the highest level.