James Anderson picks 7/35 just a week before farewell Test

James Anderson, who will turn 42 on July 30, and will retire after the first Test against West Indies (from July 10-14 at Lord’s), turned the clock back as he began the new season with a seven-wicket haul in the County Championship. It was a spell that posed a question to England selectors and experts as to whether the seasoned cricketer is still good enough to play for the national side.

He certainly looked the best England pace bowler at the moment and among the best in the world still.

Anderson, representing Lancashire, ran through Nottinghamshire’s top-order to reduce them to 40 for six with all the six wickets taken by the right-arm pacer. The Notts were bowled out for 126 in reply to Lancs’ 353/9 declared. They were then asked to follow on.

Anderson, who is only the third bowler in Test cricket after Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne to take 700 wickets, returned with 7/35 in 16 overs at Southport, which lies in Lancashire. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, also representing Lancashire, went wicketless as he was required to bowl just six overs.

Anderson has played 187 Tests and picked 700 wickets at an average of 26.52. He has 32 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls.

James Anderson, County Cricket, England