James Anderson willing to turn vegan to prolong Test career
England's veteran fast bowler James Anderson has been bothered by a series of injuries of late. The leading wicket-taker in Tests for England was ruled out from the ongoing Ashes 2019 series after bowling just four overs in the first Test. He has been nursing a calf injury. However, Anderson is keen to prolong his career and will also turn vegan if it helps.
Anderson had earlier picked up a calf injury and missed out on the one-off Test match against Ireland. He was named in the first match's XI against Australia and was expected to lead the bowling unit. But the 37-year-old was bothered by the same issue. He went off injured early on the first morning and was subsequently ruled out for the series remainder.
Anderson has 575 Test wickets in 149 appearances. He topped the ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers in 2018. However, he has dropped to sixth. Anderson wants to be the best in the world. "I've still got a real hunger and desire to play cricket. I still love the game and still feel like I can be the best bowler in the world," Anderson said.
Anderson said that he looks at other sports personalities who kept on going into their late 30s. He is also set to start rehab and is willing to investigate every possible avenue to keep himself in good shape at this age. It's his calf that is constantly bothering him. "Whether there's anything specific I can do, diet, gym program, supplements, whatever it might be."
Several sports personalities have opted for a vegan diet to stay healthy. The likes of Venus Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli have switched to being vegans. Anderson said he is willing to try. "I'm open-minded. I'll give anything a go if it prolongs my career. I actually have chatted that through with my wife, but she's not keen!"
Anderson feels that he has a lot to offer in Test cricket and has ruled out retirement claims as of now. The hunger and desire are there in him and we feel he will make a strong return for England. He has been one of the greatest bowlers in Test cricket and he could sustain for another 1-2 years at ease.
