James Anderson "isn't going anywhere anytime soon" as England icon shines again

16 February 2023 , 10:41

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James Anderson remains at the top of his game at the age of 40 (Image: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)

James Anderson produced yet another masterclass with the new ball as England reduced New Zealand to 37-3 before the close of play on day one in Mount Maunganui, picking up 2-10 in a typically outstanding seven over spell.

Anderson and Stuart Broad first bowled together in an England shirt on a tour of New Zealand back in 2008 and 15 years later the pair led the attack for the 133rd time. Along with Ollie Robinson, they were excellent as the hosts' top order struggled against the pink ball under lights after Ben Stokes boldly declared with England 325-9.

Anderson and Broad remain crucial weapons for Stokes even at the age of 40 and 36 respectively and Steve Harmison, who was on that New Zealand tour in 2008, says it is "ridiculous" that they still remain at the top of their game.

And Harmison, who is out in New Zealand commentating on this series, says they remain "desperate to continue to play" and that Anderson has told him he "isn't going anywhere anytime soon".

Speaking to OnlineCricketBetting, Harmison said: "When they got left out of the West Indies side, I don't think they thought they would play again, let alone play together because in their eyes, they thought England were trying to move them on.

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"Jimmy isn't going anywhere anytime soon, he keeps telling me he wants to carry on playing, he doesn't see the end coming which I find ridiculous. He's got a smile on his face, I've seen him a few times in New Zealand with a smile on his face.

Anderson and Stuart Broad are playing together for the 133rd time in Test cricket, having been England teammates for the first time 15 years ago on a tour of New Zealand (DEAN TREML/AFP via Getty Images)

"I was going to pat him on the back at one point because I thought he had wind but no it was a genuine smile on his face. They're both in good form, five minutes with them both in Hamilton and they look as young as ever, as enthusiastic as ever, they look desperate to continue to play.

"They look 20 something instead of Jimmy 40 something and Stuart late 30s. When you have role models like them, it's great and for people who thought they were never going to play again, let's just embrace the fact they are going to play again and be thankful for them.

"They're pushing the boundaries to a level in their own standards, and if they're doing that in a team, they're going to drag everyone else with them because you can't not be inspired."

Matthew Cooper