England coach Chris Silverwood said that he wants to see James Anderson picking up his 600th Test wicket and his side finishing strongly in the final day of the last Test against Pakistan at Southampton. Anderson overcame all the criticism drawn in the previous match for his lacklusture run with a brilliant performance in the final Test.
The England’s leading Test wicket-taker taker now stands one short of picking up his 600th Test wicket. He could have completed the milestone on the penultimate day but some dropped catches made him wait longer. Silverwood said that Anderson is looking really good and he will reach there.
“I want to win the game first and foremost but to finish strongly and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic,” Silverwood said.
“We’re all aware of the milestone Jimmy is looking at but he’ll get there. Hopefully, we’ll see it [on day five].
“It would be brilliant to see Jimmy get over the line. He’s an inspiration, isn’t he? 600 Test wickets. Wow.
“He’s worked so hard to do it and he’s brilliant around the place. He’s constantly helping the other bowlers. It’s just superb to have one of the best in the world sitting in your dressing room and playing for your country.”
Silverwood added: “It is a massive achievement. To have two bowlers above 500 [Anderson and Stuart Broad] and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat.
“It is frustrating when things don’t go your way as a bowler but all you can do is go back on the practice field and work on what you need to work on. That’s what Jimmy did and he got his rewards.
After England posted a mammoth first innings total on board, Anderson ran through the Pakistan top order and picked up a five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bundled out for 273 runs to enforce the follow on.
Anderson has the most wickets for any fast bowler in Tests. Only Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) are ahead of his tally.
