‘We are lucky to have had Jimmy for so long’ – Chris Woakes grateful for James Anderson’s contributions for long time

James Anderson. (Photo Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

England’s paceman, Chris Woakes, who had hit the winning shot for England in the third Ashes Test, has come up with an appreciation for the veteran, James Anderson. According to Woakes, team England is fortunate to have had Anderson for such a long time and he thinks that the veteran has a lot of cricket left.

Despite a slightly underwhelming performance in the ongoing Ashes series, where Anderson has managed to get only three wickets in the first two Tests, Woakes remains confident in his teammate’s abilities. In fact, Woakes even mentioned that Anderson still has plenty to offer and can continue serving the country.

“We are lucky to have had Jimmy for so long, and who knows how much longer we’ll be able to call on him? I have a gut feeling that he might have a lot more left in the tank because Jimmy always proves the doubters wrong,” Woakes expressed in an interview with Mirror Sport.

Woakes went on to reveal that he believes Anderson may even be contemplating surpassing 700 Test wickets. Ultimately, the decision of when to retire rests with Anderson himself. “I’m not making any assumptions that this will be his last game or his last series – we have been blessed that he’s been such a master of his craft for 20 years,” added Woakes.

England’s management has chosen to reinstate Anderson for the upcoming fourth Test at his home ground, Old Trafford. This decision demonstrates the team’s faith in his capabilities and recognizes the value he brings to the side.

In my book, Anderson is one of the greatest ever to grace Test cricket: Woakes

Chris Woakes, in awe of Anderson’s technique, stated, “In my book, he’s not just England’s greatest-ever bowler but one of the greatest ever to grace Test cricket. The paying public and fans watching on TV are in awe of his technique when they watch the super-slow motion replays of how the ball comes out of his hand… but so are we in the dressing room, and we’re his peers. I always feel you are in the presence of greatness when fellow professionals are in awe of what you do.”

Although England managed to secure a victory in the third Test, reducing the series scoreline to 2-1, Ben Stokes and his team must win the next two matches to win the Ashes.