England captain Ben Stokes hopes to see speedster James Anderson take all 20 wickets as he gears up for his 188th and final Test. Stokes has also said that Anderson’s skills are still world-class, but he feels that this is the time to prepare for the away Ashes series now which is next year.

However, having made his debut in 2003, James Anderson will finish his career at Lord’s when England take on the West Indies in the opening Test of the summer.
The pace bowler will finish his career as the highest wicket-taker for England in Tests and has the opportunity to finish even as the second-highest overall as well.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Stokes said, “I hope he takes all 20 wickets if I’m being honest. I listened to Stuart talk about his retirement and wanting to go out on top and there was one thing he said that even made me think about when the time comes for me to go. He said: ‘I didn’t want a new player to come in and go I thought Stuart Broad was meant to be good. I thought: ‘Yeah that is a good thing to think about.’”

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s coming home’ – Team India to reach New Delhi on Thursday

“Jimmy’s skillset is obviously still good enough for international cricket” – Ben Stokes

“Jimmy’s skillset is obviously still good enough for international cricket. But we have to make big decisions and we have got the Ashes to think about in 18 months’ time. Nobody will ever say, ‘Oh is that Jimmy Anderson? I thought he was meant to be good’ because he is still incredible,” he again added.

James Anderson had a forgettable 2023 when England hosted Australia for the Ashes as well. He managed only five wickets in four matches with a poor average of 85.40. With Stokes struggling to bowl regularly since February 2023, the veteran all-rounder revealed that it has progressed quite well. The captain also said that it’s a relief knowing he can fulfil all the facets effectively now.

“The bowling is coming on really well. It is great to be able to sit here after two years not knowing how it was going to be on a day to day basis to now being as good as gold. It is really refreshing for me as a player and captain knowing we can always have four seamers. It balances the team so much better. I know I offer the team so much more when playing a bigger role with bat and ball. The knee is the best it has been for a long time,” he concluded.