Retired England pace bowler James Anderson revealed that it still haunts him to miss the catch off his bowling on day 3 of the 1st Test against the West Indies at Lord’s as well. However, the veteran took pride in playing for 20 years, claiming it to be an impressive achievement for a fast bowler as well. With 704 wickets in 188 Tests, Anderson ended his great 21-year-old Test career at Lords, where he also began his career.

The Lancashire bowler had the chance to take his 705th wicket and create a milestone if Gudakesh Motie chipped one back to him. However, the veteran failed to hold on as well.

Speaking to Sky Sports after England’s innings and 114-run victory, he said, “I’m still gutted to have dropped that catch to be honest. But yeah, it’s been an amazing week. I’ve been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground and the lads as well, just proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m just really proud of playing for 20-odd years. [It] is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler. Happy that I’ve been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career.”

The veteran also crossed Ian Botham’s tally of 383 wickets in 2015 to become the highest wicket-taker for England as well. He crossed Glenn
McGrath’s 563 victims in 2018 to become the leading wicket-taker among seamers in Tests, but Anderson’s 704 is highly unlikely to be
overhauled by any bowler anytime soon as well.

“I’ve never really felt great at any stage. I know it sounds strange, but I’ve always tried to think, ‘How am I going to get better for the next series?’ Thinking like that has helped me play for such a long time, the thought that I need to get better and keep improving to stay at this level. Fast bowling is hard work, but I think you’ve got to have a bit of a sadistic side to be a fast bowler because it does hurt but I think I’ve never really shirked away from my responsibilities, I enjoy them,” James Anderson concluded.