Anderson: I’m still feeling great at 38

JIMMY ANDERSON insisted yesterday that he is fitter than he has been for years as he embarks on one of the most gruelling Test fixture lists England have faced. Anderson, 38, became the first seamer to reach 600 Test wickets last summer, and needs a further 20 to overtake India spinner Anil Kumble and go third on the all-time list, behind Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. And he can start adding to his tally on January 14, when England meet Sri Lanka at Galle — a venue where he collected his only five-for in Asia in March 2012. The whole squad, who are quarantining in Hambantota, were due to have further tests for Covid-19 today, after which — assuming no positive results — they can leave their hotel rooms and begin training. With the two games in Sri Lanka followed by four in India, Anderson’s fitness will be tested in conditions that have not traditionally suited him. ‘I’d say I’m in as good shape as I have been in my 30s, if not better,’ he said. ‘Sri Lanka is still an exciting challenge from a seam bowler’s point of view. I have had success in Galle and there are opportunities to take wickets out here, so it’s not all doom and gloom.’ Meanwhile, Anderson was bemused by reports that he was denied a knighthood in the New Year Honours because of fears the Australians would use it to sledge him next winter. ‘I thought it was a pretty unusual story,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it won’t stop them sledging me anyway. I get a big barrage whenever I go there.’ And he was lukewarm about the idea of combining playing duties with coaching the other England seamers. ‘I feel like doing what I do takes enough energy, both mentally and physically. ‘What I offer around the team is good to have on top of a qualified bowling coach, which I’m not right now.’