‘I’m hungry, why can’t I do the same?’- Stuart Broad confident of emulating James Anderson’s Test career

Stuart Broad, the veteran fast bowler, reckons that at times, he is being deemed as an “older” member of the England Test team. The Nottingham-born wants to replicate James Anderson as far as his Test career is concerned. Anderson is currently the Brits’ leading wicket-taker in the purest format, having picked up 587 wickets in 152 matches with 28 five-wicket hauls.

Broad, who is currently playing England’s second Test against the West Indies at the Old Trafford in Manchester, is second in the all-time list, nearing the 500-wicket mark. Broad turned 34 around a month ago, but feels that he still has plenty to give to England cricket going into the future.

Why not try and emulate what Jimmy has done, says Stuart Broad

“I think sometimes I get put in an older category than I am. Jimmy has taken around 130 Test wickets since he was my age, why can’t I do the same? I’m hungry, my fitness levels are good,” Broad was quoted as saying to the reporters after the fourth day’s play.

“Why not try and emulate what Jimmy has done and play to his age? I feel I can. Today proved that again. When I set goals, it makes me hungry to achieve them,” he stated.

Before the ongoing Test match, Joe Root, the Three Lions’ Test skipper, said that Broad and Anderson playing together may not happen in the future. Anderson was rested for the second Test even as Broad couldn’t make the eleven for the opening Test.

“I’d be surprised if that was the route decided. We’ve been very successful. It’s such a unique summer with six Tests over six weeks that rotation will be necessary. We get put in a category together but we both perform well without each other and with each other.

“I want to play with Jimmy again and hope he feels the same. We complement each other and create a lot of pressure together,” he added.

Anderson would be turning 38 later in July and it goes without saying that he is at the twilight of his career. If Broad goes onto play for that long, then he could well surpass Anderson in the list of all-time top wicket-takers for England in Tests.