James Anderson 'excited for summer' after 700 Test wicket milestone for England - 'Best shape I've ever been in'

James Anderson says he is in the “best shape” of his career after reaching the impressive milestone of 700 Test wickets.

He became the first pace bowler to achieve the feat by having Kuldeep Yadav caught behind on day three of England’s final Test against India in Dharamsala.

However, speaking on the Tailenders podcast, Anderson admitted it was hard to celebrate - given England slumped to a 4-1 series defeat.

"It was a nice moment and nice to do it at a picturesque ground," he said.

"My dad was here so I had a drink with my dad, which was nice. He was more excited than I was.

"Maybe I would've felt more excited if we'd won the Test or the series."

At 41, there has been much talk about how long Anderson will continue to play.

This was further fuelled by his long-time bowling partner, Stuart Broad, calling it a day after last summer’s Ashes.

However, England’s record Test wicket-taker is firmly fixed on the future and adding to his outstanding haul.

"I'm really excited for the summer," Anderson continued.

"I want to make sure I'm playing well and earn my place in the team."

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will next name a squad for a three-match Test series against West Indies, which starts in July.

That is swiftly followed by a trio of Tests against Sri Lanka.

Assessing what more he has to offer, Anderson said: "I'm not getting any worse. I'm definitely in the best shape I've ever been in.

"I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets.

"My place in the team is not a given so I've got to work hard to prove I'm worth a place in the summer."

As well as his desire to compete at the highest level, Anderson also seems to still relish the on-pitch duels he has with batters around the world.

As he sought his 699th wicket during the Dharamsala Test, Anderson recalled bowling to India's Shubman Gill.

"I said something to him like, 'Do you get any runs outside India?' and he said, 'It's time to retire'," Anderson said.

"Then two balls later, I got him out."

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