James Anderson; Beyond 704 Wickets
James Anderson has brought down the curtains to his career as England won by an innings and 114 runs. The cricketing fraternity has already started missing the man who represented England in 188 test matches, took 704 wickets at an average of 26.45 and an economy of 2.79. And how can one not remember his 32 5 wicket hauls and 3 10 wicket hauls. Well even after bowling 40,037 deliveries in his career, it’s not just his performance that the cricketing world will miss, but the unique style and character he brought to the game. A Hair Apparent James Anderson’s journey wasn’t just about the wickets; it was also about his distinct flair, evident in his ever-evolving hairstyles. Famously shy in his early days, Anderson’s bowling spoke volumes, but his haircuts became another form of self-expression. John Stanworth, Lancashire’s academy coach, once remarked, “He said absolutely zip all to me for two-and-a-half years,” highlighting Anderson’s reserved nature. However, his initial foray into the international scene was marked by frosted tips and a striking red ‘faux hawk’. During his early career, Anderson’s flamboyant hairstyles often garnered more attention than his on-field exploits. On a tour of Zimbabwe in 2004, he opted for a complete shave, emerging with a rebuilt action and a reliance on consistency rather than style. As he matured into England’s premier fast bowler, his hairstyles evolved, featuring a tight crop and a Morrissey-esque quiff. In 2018, Anderson surprised fans with an all-over platinum dye job, a mix of “part silver fox, part white owl,” which he attributed to “maybe a midlife crisis.“ As Anderson approached his 40s, his look evolved to a sophisticated salt-and-pepper style, though he continued to experiment. Recently, he sported a golden streak in his quiff, dubbed “Auburn Anderson” or “Fast Bowler Sunset.” When asked about bringing back the red streak for his Lord’s send-off, Anderson curtly responded, “Doesn’t look like it.“ The Sledging Maestro On the field, James Anderson’s mastery extended beyond the cricket ball to his sharp tongue. Known for his aggressive sledging, he often used it as a strategy to get into the minds of opposition batsmen. Alastair Cook, one of Anderson’s closest friends, recalled, “The only thing I can remember about our first meeting was that he called me everything under the sun.“ Sledging was Anderson’s way of engaging in a battle, and it sometimes revealed an edgier side to his game. One of the most notorious incidents was an altercation with Ravindra Jadeja in 2014, which nearly escalated into a diplomatic row. Anderson’s sledging repertoire included memorable jibes, such as repeatedly calling Michael Hussey “Dave” to irk the Australian batsman. Hussey acknowledged Anderson as “probably a bit smarter” than most sledgers he had encountered. Some of Anderson’s sledging exchanges became legendary. During the 2010-11 series, Mitchell Johnson’s taunt, “Why are you chirping now, mate? Not getting any wickets?” was swiftly answered when Anderson bowled Ryan Harris next ball and silenced Johnson with a finger to his lips. Media Savvy and Emotional Moments Despite his gruff on-field persona, Anderson’s off-field demeanor showed a different side. His friendship with Graeme Swann brought out a playful aspect, seen in their antics on Swanny’s Ashes Diary and the popular BBC 5 Live show “Not Just Cricket.” His transition from player to pundit was seamless, highlighted by his role in the “Tailenders” podcast with Greg James and Felix White. Anderson’s tough exterior often hid a softer side. Known for his emotional moments, he famously broke down during a post-match presentation at Headingley in 2014 after a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka. He fought back tears again in 2018 after taking the final wicket in Alastair Cook’s farewell Test. Reflecting on his career, Anderson hinted at more tears during his final match. “Big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. That’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying,” he shared with a smile. As James Anderson steps away from the game, the cricketing world comes to a halt and bids farewell to a player who was not just a master of swing and seam but also a charismatic figure with memorable haircuts and legendary sledging. Thank you Jimmy. You will be missed. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: And Then There Were Three
The UEFA EURO 2024 has reached its thrilling end game, narrowing the field from 24 teams to just three. England, the Netherlands and Spain have emerged as the top survivors. Here’s a detailed look at each team’s journey, key players, and what to watch for as they vie for the championship. Spain Pedigree: Spain has won the EURO three times (1964, 2008, 2012) and reached the semi-finals in 2020. Story so far: Spain has been in excellent form, winning all their matches and conceding only two goals. They defeated Germany in extra time in the quarter-finals. They took on France in the semi-finals and went past the line 2-1. Key player: Rodri, possibly the best midfielder in the world right now, is crucial to Spain’s success. One to watch: Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, has made history as the youngest player at a EURO and has impressed with his performances. Did you know?Spain is the only team to have won three consecutive major international titles: EURO 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and EURO 2012. Netherlands Pedigree: The Netherlands won the EURO back in 1988. They reached the round of 16 in 2020. Story so far: The Netherlands had a mixed group stage but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. They comfortably defeated Romania in the round of 16 and fought back to beat Türkiye in the quarter-finals. They now face England in the semi-finals. Key player: Memphis Depay, despite injury setbacks, remains the leading force in the Dutch attack. One to watch: Xavi Simons has emerged as a creative powerhouse, contributing significantly in the knockout stages. Did you know?Wim Kieft’s goal in EURO ’88 was the Netherlands’ first headed goal in a major finals, with Marco van Basten contributing to most of their goals. England Pedigree: England’s best EURO performance was as runners-up in 2020, losing to Italy on penalties. Story so far: England topped Group C despite not being at their free-flowing best. Key players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden showed glimpses of brilliance. England overcame Slovakia in extra time in the round of 16 and won a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Key player: Jude Bellingham has been an asset, scoring two goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia. One to watch: Cole Palmer showed his composure by scoring the first penalty in the shootout against Switzerland. Did you know?Under Southgate, England have topped their group in both EURO campaigns, matching their record from their previous eight tournaments combined. With Spain already booking their place in the finals of EURO 2024 by knocking France out by 2-1, it would be interesting to see who amongst Netherlands and England book their date with Spain in the finals of the EURO 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ENG vs WI: James Anderson’s Last Week At The Office.
England’s legendary paceman, James Anderson is set to bid farewell to international cricket after playing the first test match against the West Indies. As he steps onto the field at the Lord’s for his 188th and final test match, the cricketing world celebrates the remarkable journey of one of England’s most storied bowlers. A Cinematic Career James Anderson’s career has been nothing short of cinematic. Debuting in 2003, Anderson quickly established himself as a linchpin of England’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his exceptional control and consistency, made him a formidable opponent for batsmen worldwide. Throughout his career, Anderson achieved numerous milestones that solidified his place among the cricketing greats. He became the first English bowler to reach the 600-wicket mark in Test cricket and is only the third bowler in history of test match cricket to take 700 wickets. His longevity in the sport is highlighted by his ability to maintain peak performance well into his late 30s, a rarity among fast bowlers. ANDERSON – A SYNONYM TO SPEED CATEGORY MATCHES 7th Fastest To 450 Test Match Wickets 115 Matches 7th Fastest To 500 Test Match Wickets 129 Matches 4th Fastest To 600 Test Match Wickets 156 Matches 3rd Fastest To 700 Test Match Wickets 187 Matches James Anderson’s contributions have been pivotal in many of England’s memorable victories. His iconic spells, especially in Ashes series, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As he prepares to hang up his boots, Anderson leaves behind a legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations of cricketers. ANDERSON – A CRICKETING LEGEND CATEGORY STAT 2nd Most Test Matches In A Career 187 3rd Most Test Match Runs In An Innings By A Number 11 Batter 81 vs India 3rd Most Test Match Wickets On A Single Ground 119 at Lords 7th Player With Most Five Wickets In An Innings In A Career 32 Hauls 30th Player With Most Ten Wickets In A Match In A Career 3 Hauls 16th Oldest Player To Take Five Wickets In An Innings 39y 336d 42nd Oldest Player To Take Ten Wickets In A Match 33y 294d As James Anderson prepares to bring down the curtains on his illustrious career, his achievements and records will continue to inspire and set benchmarks for cricketers around the world. His final appearance in the test match arena marks the end of an era for English cricket, however his legacy will endure for generations to come. The Sportz Plane Desk,Atharva Shetye