ENG vs IND 2018: James Anderson Set to Overhaul Glenn McGrath's Test Record

Veteran England pacer James Anderson is all set to become the highest Test wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the upcoming five-match Test series against India.

Meanwhile, Glenn McGrath is the only pacer to take more wickets than Anderson in the Test arena. Anderson, who is coming from an injury lay-off, will take the field on August 1 at Edgbaston.

Last time Anderson played India on home soil in 2014, he ravaged the visitors with 25 wickets at 20.60. A similar effort from 36-year-old legend will see him overtake McGrath’s tally of 563 wickets by two wickets.

James Anderson, while speaking to Sky Sports admitted that it is kind of surreal feeling. He also admitted that he is not thinking about the record and for him, McGrath will still be the greatest ever.

“To be as close to someone like Glenn McGrath as I am is still a bit surreal,” Anderson admits. “For me, [McGrath] is the greatest fast bowler that there has ever been. I’m just going to keep playing as well as I can and if I reach there, I reach there,” he added.

Whether Anderson gets to the record will depend on if he plays all the five Tests over a gruelling six weeks period. England’s highest-ever wicket-taker, Anderson took a six weeks break in a bid to regain his fitness.

“It’s going to be pretty brutal so to have this time to concentrate on my fitness, get my shoulder right – I’ve done loads of bowling as well – so I do feel in a really good place,” Anderson said. “I just hope that I’m in a good enough place to get through those five Test matches,” he added.

In conclusion, Anderson may be forced to sit out for one Tests as he continues to manage a troublesome shoulder injury.