22 May 2023 , 14:26
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Ben Stokes has amused cricket fans by mocking the 20th anniversary of James Anderson's debut for England's Test side.
Anderson, 40, made his Test debut exactly 20 years ago, when he was picked to play against Zimbabwe. The Lancashire bowler is still playing at the highest level and hoping to go past 700 Test wickets when England take on Australia in the Ashes this summer.
Anderson, who currently on 685 Test wickets, marked the anniversary of his debut by sharing a video off his maiden Test scalp: Mark Vermeulen. Anderson commented with the mind-blown emoji, with his current captain Stokes cheekily replying: "I was 11."
Anderson picked up a groin injury earlier this month but is expected to be fit in time to face Ireland at Lord's on June 1. After that Test match, Stokes' side will face Australia in the best of five Tests at Edgbaston, Lord's, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval.
Although Anderson will be fit to face Ireland, he might not play. He told Mirror Sport: "I think I will be fit for the Ireland game. Whether I play or not is probably another matter really. I definitely don’t want to risk it.
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"It is a little groin strain. A 10-day recovery period, and I’m rehabbing already, running next week. It was the best result of a bad situation. I am desperate to be fit for the first Ashes Test. If that means missing the Ireland Test, so be it.
Anderson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in May 2003 (Getty Images)When do you think James Anderson will retire? Let us know in the comments below!
"I was disappointed to have to pull out of a game but with what’s to come in the summer it was actually a pretty good result. In 2019 I had a different injury, a more serious injury. I ripped my calf earlier that summer, and it was a real push to try to get fit for that first Test. I don’t feel like this is anywhere near that severity."
Anderson took a five-for on his Test debut two decades ago. It was a sign of things to come, as the oldest swinger in town has gone on to play 179 Tests, 194 one-day internationals, 19 T20 internationals and 288 first-class matches.
In regards to wickets, Anderson has claimed 972 at international level and 1099 in first-class cricket. He is England's leading wicket taker in Tests as well as ODIs (269 wickets) and has won the Ashes four times (2009, 2010/11, 2013 and 2015).
To put Anderson's international career into perspective, England's wicketkeeper against Zimbabwe that famous day was Alec Stewart, who celebrated his 60th birthday last month. Anderson's first captain for England, Nasser Hussain, turned 55 two months ago.
While Stokes was 11 when Anderson made his Test debut, Rehan Ahmed - the youngest current England star - wasn't even born yet. The Leicestershire all-rounder's birthday is August 13, 2004 - nearly 15 months after Anderson's Test bow.
Anderson, who turns 41 in July, said last year: "I don't feel old or that I'm slowing down. [40] is just a number next to my name, it is not how I feel... As long as I am fit, contributing to the team and bowling well, then who knows how long I can go on for?"