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England v India: James Anderson could play for another three or four years - Trevor Bayliss

Last updated on .From the section Cricketcomments182

England's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson could play for another "three or four years", says head coach Trevor Bayliss.

Anderson, 36, took 9-43 in the match as England crushed India by an innings and 159 runs in the second Test at Lord's.

He has taken 553 Test wickets, 10 short of Australian Glenn McGrath's record for a fast bowler.

"He's not just good when the conditions suit him, but in these conditions he's the best in the world," Bayliss said.

"A lot of other bowlers do start to drop off mid-30s or so. It's only the very, very best that are able to keep it going.

"He's showing that he is the very, very best."

Anderson registered his 26th five-wicket haul in Tests with 5-20 on the second day at Lord's as India were bowled out for 107.

He also took his 100th wicket at Lord's in India's second-innings 130 as England took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

The pace bowler, who spent six weeks resting a shoulder problem before the India series, said on Friday that he "does not feel old" and would continue playing for as long as possible.

"I don't think about numbers or my age. I feel like, I won't say 28, but 32," he said.

James Anderson graphic showing his Test career: 140 tests, 553 wickets, average 26.83

Bayliss added: "The last 12-18 months, he has had a shoulder problem, but at the moment he seems to have got over that pretty well.

"As long as he keeps his body fit, there's no reason why he can't go on for three or four years."

England named an unchanged squad for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which starts on Saturday, with Ben Stokes again missing out.

The all-rounder missed the victory at Lord's because of his trial for affray in Bristol, which is ongoing.

Asked if England's players had blocked out the trial, Bayliss said; "The results speak for themselves.

"The guys are able to put anything off field out of their mind and concentrate on what they're doing, and this was the perfect example."

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182 comments

  • Comment posted by Marco1987, at 06:26 14 Aug 2018

    It was only 6 months ago a number of people on this site were asking for his career to end! For me Anderson is now our countries greatest fast bowler, he is unplayable in favourable conditions and when it does get flat he can stop the scoring rate and give the captain control at one end.

  • Comment posted by Zayphod, at 07:02 14 Aug 2018

    Anderson is a great bowler - world class

    Professional, cunning, reliable, good entertainment & a real wicket taking machine par excellence

    he maintaines his fitness and is only 36

    yes he could easily play til 40 and personally sincerely hope he does

    good luck, mate !

  • Comment posted by dave_s, at 07:24 14 Aug 2018

    Courtney Walsh took 180 test wickets after he was 35. Whilst I am not suggesting Anderson would emulate that I see no reason he can't play on for another 2 or 3 years. His appearances might need careful management at the end of that period but his experience counts for a lot a nd should not be undervalued

  • Comment posted by AndSleep, at 06:52 14 Aug 2018

    Jimmy is quite simply the swing master and the greatest English quick to have played the game. There are days when he can bend the ball around corners, seemingly. I've never seen the likes of him before and doubt I will again. He's made the top test side in the world look like a village team in this series.

  • Comment posted by Finkelstein, at 07:30 14 Aug 2018

    England v India: James Anderson could play for another three or four years - Trevor Bayliss.

    James Anderson is a class act with huge experience. Long may he continue.

  • Comment posted by kevin, at 07:27 14 Aug 2018

    Still taking wickets and fit .... then why not continue. Some have the idea you reach a certain age then you should be dropped regardeless of still producing the goods. Some sports persons improve with age and experience.... teams can have a blend of young and senior. Jimmy is on top form...great to watch and hope injury does not curtail his career. Keep going fella

  • Comment posted by deperer, at 08:03 14 Aug 2018

    His bowling average is improving with age. So he is bowling better than ever before. These next couple years could be his peak years. Very unique.

  • Comment posted by Harvey_the_white, at 08:54 14 Aug 2018

    Definitely time for some formal, national recognition for his achievements. Many more people ( eg Olympians ) have been knighted for far less

    So pleased Lancashire had the foresight and wisdom to name the pavilion end after him at his home ground in recognition

  • Comment posted by Bertie_Bigwhistle, at 06:48 14 Aug 2018

    I hope he does continue for 4 more years. God knows we need him.

  • Comment posted by Tigger, at 09:34 14 Aug 2018

    FYI - Jimmy Anderson has 204 wickets away from home at 32.5.

    Not bad for a someone that is supposed to be a 'homer'.

    Keep going Jimmy.

  • Comment posted by Casper, at 09:07 14 Aug 2018

    How many more times are Indian fans going to say that England can only win at home in English conditions! - India are regarded as cricketing Gods yet they can only win at home on doctored pitches. Yawn...............zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  • Comment posted by The Badger, at 09:47 14 Aug 2018

    People have mentioned Ambrose, McGrath etc. Great bowlers but also had great bowlers to bowl with and hence batsmen under more pressure. Anderson often carries the whole attack.

    I don’t know why people say he is no good away from home. When Englan won in India a few years ago many Indians said he was the difference. Was also pivotal when England won down under a few years back.

  • Comment posted by Bob Bob bob, at 08:15 14 Aug 2018

    Jimmy averages 21.2 since 1st Jan 2014. That is a phenomenal level of performance. This version of Jimmy would have succeeded in any era of cricket. If not for the early years where he was in and out of the side due to injury and form we might be talking about him chasing down Murali rather than McGrath.

  • Comment posted by ITV, at 06:14 14 Aug 2018

    How is Smith still number 1? His stats should be erased from history like lance Armstrong.

  • Comment posted by 931035, at 10:16 14 Aug 2018

    "34. Posted by BAT-ten down the hatches on 2 hours ago

    Can't wait for him to overtake that nasty piece of work, Glenn McGrath!"

    I think you are confusing the ultra-competitive bowler with the man. Glenn McGrath is most certainly not a nasty piece of work.

  • Comment posted by blobvilla, at 08:03 14 Aug 2018

    Jimmy is a brilliant bowler and a great role model. My only concern is Broady and Jimmy were on the England scene young and there doesn’t seem to be young fast bowlers knocking on the door of the England team at the moment. I don’t know enough about The County game to know of any emerging talent. Jimmy and Broady have been great servants, long may it continue. But we need more youngsters pushing.

  • Comment posted by boating-voter, at 08:18 14 Aug 2018

    Watching Anderson, it's easy to believe he could go on forever. An economical run-up, smooth action, controlled follow-through - nothing that looks as if it puts undue strain on his body.

    When he DOES retire, I hope he goes into coaching - so much to pass on.

    ECB is praying he goes on forever, as they've failed to develop replacements. Bayliss will worry only as long as his own term lasts.

  • Comment posted by Stu, at 08:07 14 Aug 2018

    One of our few players who warrant a central contract. Will need looking after if he's going to last another four years - Lancs might have to miss out on his skills more than they like.

    In my opinion, His bowling is getting better - no loss of pace and his skillset has improved on a few years ago. Coupled with growing experience makes him the best pace bowler in World cricket today.

  • Comment posted by bobnoxious, at 08:24 14 Aug 2018

    As well as being technically gifted, he possesses great passion and attitude. To be a great bowler you must really despise the sound of leather on willow, you can see that with Jimmy. If he has ANY talent as a coach, then England do not need to worry too much. Long live Jimmy.

  • Comment posted by shaunthegooner, at 08:09 14 Aug 2018

    We can get another 3 or 4 years out of him, but England Selectors, please use him when he is most effective i.e. why take him on tours to bowl 35-40 overs per innings on a flat, batsman friendly, pitch? Save him for home tests where conditions favour him.

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