Lancashire’s evergreen James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson has reclaimed the title of number one ranked ICC Test bowler – at the tender age of 40 years and 207 days.
Anderson returned match figures of 7-54 against new Zealand as he fired England to victory within four days at the glorious Mount Maunganui.
At 17, playing for Burnley Cricket Club, he became one of the fastest bowlers in the Lancashire league.
By 19, he was making his first class debut for Lancashire and by 21, had taken five wickets on his England test debut vs Zimbabwe.
20 years, 178 matches and 682 test wickets later, Anderson has no plans for retirement.
The quick told Sky Sports last August that he has a lot left to offer, “40 is just a number next to my name, and not how I feel”.
Anderson’s longevity is a testament to his elite levels of fitness and conditioning.
Among fast bowlers, his 178 tests (and counting) are rivalled most closely by long-term partner-in-crime Stuart Broad, with 160.
The next closest paceman is the legendary West Indian, Courtney Walsh, on 131.
In reaching the top of the rankings Anderson has overtaken Australian captain, Pat Cummins, who has held the title for the last four years.
The two will meet in the Ashes this summer, the fourth test of which will be played at Old Trafford, home to ‘The James Anderson End’ since 2017.
The ‘Burnley Lara’s’ legacy is already confirmed, but there is plenty more to be written.
