I fondly remember the year 2003. A 10-year-old girl watching his father and big brother cheering, swearing, glaring at the TV screen. While a part of me was frustrated as a cricket match would mean, no cartoon network, another part of me wanted to be part of the chaos that used to unfold around our house with each wicket,and each boundary.
While 2003 was special year for me as I proudly joined the ranks of the 1.1 billion Indian cricket fanatics, 4166 miles away, a boy from Manchester was embarking on his Test journey, laying the foundation for a career that would defy the odds and stand strong over two remarkable decades.
To spend 21 years as a fast bowler in the ever-evolving cricket is not merely a remarkable accomplishment; it’s an almost unimaginable feat. As I, a 30-year-old, ponder the journey so far, having gone through the challenges of puberty, board exams, engineering pressures, two heartbreaks, and a career switch, James Anderson continues to trouble the Indian batters on the pitch.
Consider this: the average life expectancy of women in India is 68.89 years, and here I am, having lived almost half my life, while Anderson’s relentless pursuit of excellence persists.
It’s truly mind-boggling to contemplate that iconic figures in the world of sports, such as Virat Kohli, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Phelps, had not yet made their indelible marks in their respective domains when James Anderson took his maiden steps into Test cricket.
As we reflect on Anderson’s incredible journey, let’s push the rewind button to look at what was the sporting world was when the English pace express made his momentous debut.
- When Anderson made his debut, Virat Kohli was leading the U-15 side!
- When Anderson made his debut, Lionel Messi was yet to make his Barcelona debut!
- When Anderson made his debut, Lewis Hamilton made his debut…for Formula 3!
- When Anderson made his debut, a rookie Lebron James was picked by Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA draft!
- When Anderson made his debut, Manchester United were still…winning!!!
- When Anderson made his debut, Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Sporting CP
- When Anderson made his debut, Michael Phelps had ZERO Olympic gold medal!
- When Anderson made his debut, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic had ZERO Grand Slams COMBINED!!
Share your thoughts and comment what else has changed since Jimmy’s first ball in Test cricket.
