James Anderson becomes England’s most capped Test cricketer as he overtakes Alastair Cook with 162nd appearance in second Test with New Zealand at Edgbaston
- James Anderson has become England’s most capped Test cricketer
- 38-year-old playing in his 162nd match against New Zealand at Edgbaston
- Fast bowler has overtaken the 161 caps of his former captain Alastair Cook
- Current skipper Joe Root paid tribute to Anderson’s longevity ahead of the Test
- Lancashire man has taken 616 Test wicket during an illustrious career
James Anderson has become England’s most capped Test player after being selected in the team for the second Test with New Zealand at Edgbaston.
The 38-year-old fast bowler wins his 162nd cap in the decisive final Test of the series, surpassing his former team-mate and captain Alastair Cook.
The Lancashire man made his debut against Zimbabwe back in May 2003 and has taken 616 Test wickets since.
James Anderson has become England’s most capped Test cricketer as he makes his 162nd appearance in the second Test with New Zealand at Edgbaston
Anderson, 38, was presented with a commemorative shirt ahead of the first day’s play
Anderson received a commemorative shirt with his name and ‘162’ on the reverse and the congratulations of his team-mates ahead of the first day’s play.
England won the toss in Birmingham and captain Joe Root chose to bat first. Last week’s first Test at Lord’s ended in a draw.
Anderson told BBC Sport: ‘I can’t believe I have got this far. It’s been an amazing journey.
‘I’m lucky that I have got a body that can cope with the rigours of bowling. I do work hard at my fitness and skills.
‘It’s also about having the hunger to turn up every day to try to get better. That’s all I’ve done since I became a professional and that will hopefully continue for a few more years yet.’
Anderson bowls on his England Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s back in May 2003
Anderson is congratulated by fellow bowler Mark Wood ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston
Anderson revealed he received a congratulatory phone call from Cook on Wednesday night.
‘That phone call meant a lot from such a close mate,’ he said. ‘To go past him is special.’
In addition to his record number of Test appearances, Anderson played 194 one-day internationals and 19 Twenty20s for England, amounting to 375 caps in all across the three formats of the game.
Anderson’s 616 Test wickets have come at an average of 26.58 apiece and includes 30 five-wicket hauls.
Root, the eighth captain he has played under for England, said of Anderson’s achievement: ‘It will be a very special occasion to witness.
‘To see someone break that record is huge; for him to do it as a fast bowler in particular, just shows his skill level and the longevity of his ability over a period of time.
‘His fitness levels, his desire to keep going and to keep putting his body through that – and what a great player for young guys to come in and learn off as well, to talk to about fast bowling and the art of swing bowling.
‘So it’s going to be a fabulous occasion in many respects and one that I’m very much looking forward to.’
Anderson (right) wears a t-shirt with an anti-discrimination message during the ‘Moment of Unity’ ahead of the match in Birmingham
Anderson chats to his bowling partner Stuart Broad during nets ahead of the second Test