James Anderson’s addiction to cricket only growing stronger with age, says Stuart Broad

Veteran seamer James Anderson’s passion for cricket shows no signs of waning, according to his strike partner Stuart Broad. The prolific England duo is set to play crucial roles in their ninth Ashes campaign, with Anderson, now 40, continuously improving and defying age-related expectations.

As England’s leading Test bowler with an impressive tally of 685 wickets, Anderson has shown remarkable consistency and recently became the oldest player to top the ICC Test rankings. Despite turning 41 next month, Anderson has confirmed his fitness for the Ashes opener at Edgbaston, displaying his unwavering determination to perform at the highest level.

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Speaking on the Legends of the Ashes podcast, Broad emphasized Anderson’s exceptional competitiveness, placing him among the most driven individuals he has encountered in any sport. Describing Anderson as an addict to cricket, training, and self-improvement, Broad highlighted how the veteran seamer continues to evolve and impress at this stage of his career.

Broad believes Anderson’s commitment to the game has propelled him to new heights, surpassing his own performances from four years ago. This remarkable progression is a testament to Anderson’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering love for the sport.

Anderson and Broad, who were surprisingly omitted from England’s tour of the West Indies following their 4-0 defeat in the last Ashes series in Australia, were sorely missed during the team’s struggles in the Caribbean last year. England’s aggressive batting approach under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, known as “Bazball,” relies heavily on taking wickets to support their attacking style.

Reinstated under new leadership, Anderson and Broad form the most lethal bowling partnership in Test history, boasting a combined total of 1,017 wickets in 134 Tests. England is eager to witness their formidable combination in action against Australia, as they possess the ability to break through the opposition’s batting lineup and provide vital breakthroughs.