Anderson takes inspiration from Giggs' longevity

Anderson believes he can continue for a long while in international cricket and looks at Giggs, who played at United for 24 years before eventually retiring at the age of 40, for inspiration.

England seamer James Anderson Anderson is his nation's leading wicket-taker in Tests with 433.

James Anderson says he feels as fit as ever and sees no reason why he cannot prolong his career, citing Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs as an example to follow.

England seamer Anderson is his nation's leading wicket-taker in Tests with 433, but at 33, it has been suggested he is nearing the end of his international career.

But Anderson believes he can continue for a long while yet and looks at Giggs, who played at United for 24 years before eventually retiring at the age of 40, for inspiration.

Anderson has a couple of personal targets in mind – namely reaching 500 Test wickets and playing until the next home Ashes in three years.

'WANT TO REACH 500 TEST WICKETS'

"We are fitter now than ever so why not? Look at guys who have played sport for a long time like Ryan Giggs. He was comfortable at 40 and did not look out of place when he retired," he told the Telegraph.

"Where I am at the minute is I feel as fit as I have ever been. I feel I can still get it down the other end.

"I guess it is an extra incentive to keep going, to prove people wrong. You spend all your career trying to prove people wrong. It is the same now.

"In the back of my mind I think I can get 500 Test wickets and what has helped me during the last three or four years has been thinking about staying as fit as possible so I get on the field.

"Then I can contribute to us winning games. If I do that and stay in the team it means I will get wickets. I would like to play the 2019 Ashes. I will be 37 then."

'WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH CRICKET AFTER RETIREMENT'

When retirement does come around, Anderson plans to remain in the game in some capacity.

"I want to stay in cricket. The game has been amazing to me. So I want to stay but whether that is coaching full-time I am not sure," he said.

"It is a full-time job on the road travelling away from your family if you do it at international level.

"Mentoring sounds more feasible. Dipping in and out trying to pass things on. I worked for Sky during the World Twenty20. That was a great opportunity to try it.

"I have a good analytical brain so if I can get it across in the right way that could be a possibility as well."