Rikki Clarke believes that fast bowler James Anderson is only getting better with age. The 38-year-old played a crucial role for the team on Day 5 of the first Test against India. England defeated India by 227 runs, leading the series 1-0.
The visitors are expected to make four changes for the second Test. Jofra Archer is out due to injured, while Jos Buttler has left the team as part of England's rotation policy. The England cricket team have also left out veteran pacer James Anderson and off-spinner Dom Bess.
Talking about the secret of James Anderson's success, Rikki Clarke responded that the fast bowler's desire to get better at everything is what keeps him going.
Rikki Clarke has featured in two Tests and 20 ODIs for England.
James Anderson has played in 158 Test matches and scalped 611 wickets
The 38-year-old bowled brilliantly at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium to help the visitors grab the first Test match. The English pacer is currently the fourth-highest wicket-getter in the most extended format of the game. Anderson is only behind Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble. At 38 years of age, Anderson also became the oldest player to scalp a five-wicket haul in Asia. Anderson accomplished this unique landmark when he picked up six wickets against Sri Lanka. No other fast bowler has more wickets than James Anderson in the game's purest format.
The right-arm pacer was also the first fast bowler to reach the landmark of 600 Test wickets. James Anderson has played in 158 Test matches for England and has 611 wickets. The experienced bowler has played several match-winning spells for his country. The fast bowler also has 30 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls in red-ball cricket for England.
India can't afford another loss in the four-match series. The side will now be looking to win at least two of the remaining three matches to secure a place in the WTC final.