James Anderson geared up to make Test comeback: I feel in good shape

James Anderson was dropped from the England Test after the 2021-22 Ashes. Anderson is the all-time leading wicket-taker among pacers in Test cricket.

England fast bowler James Anderson said that he hasn’t given up hopes of making a Test comeback by any means. After the Brits’ horrendous campaign in the 2021-22 Ashes in Australia, Anderson was left out of the national squad for the three-match Test series in the West Indies. Stuart Broad, Anderson’s pace-bowling partner for years, couldn’t find a place in the team as well.

However, at the age of 39, the veteran reckoned that he hasn’t run out of gas. Anderson is currently plying his trade for Lancashire in the County Championship at home and has picked up nine wickets from two matches. In one of those matches, he also rattled former England skipper Joe Root’s woodwork.

England are yet to name their squad for their home Tests against New Zealand later this year and Anderson sounded confident of staking his claim back into the team.

"I don’t want to be counting my chickens, I want to make sure I am bowling well, taking wickets and in good form if and when that call comes," Anderson was quoted as saying.

"For most of the year I have been thinking about trying to start the season well for Lancashire and preparing for that.”

"I feel in good shape, in good form, so I am happy with the way things are going and I will be absolutely delighted if I do get back into the team," he stated.

"The way things have been going over the winter, I set my mind on trying to bowl well for Lancashire and putting in performances that selectors would take note of.