Fast bowlers generally retire from cricket in their late 30s. Some of them continue to play in T20I format and retire from the longer formats. However, there have been a few passionate and fit fast bowlers who not only managed to continue playing after the age of 40 but also remained a member of their nation’s Test squad despite facing competition from the younger pacers.
There have been multiple pacers in Test cricket history, who continued to play even after the age of 40. In this listicle now, we will look at the three pacers who bowled in the most Test innings after celebrating their 40th birthday.
3. Dave Nourse – 12
Former South African player Dave Nourse played Test cricket for his nation even after turning 40 years old. Nourse bowled in 12 innings from 1921 to 1924 after turning 40. He is the only African player to be a part of this list.
2. One of the former Indian fast-medium bowlers: Lala Amarnath – 14
Lala Amarnath was a seamer as well, and he bowled in 14 Test innings after celebrating his 40th birthday. Amarnath played total 24 Test matches for the Indian cricket team from 1933 to 1952. His last appearance came in a match against the Pakistan cricket team at the Eden Gardens.
1. James Anderson – 15
Current England fast bowler James Anderson recently broke Lala Amarnath’s world record for the most Test innings bowled in by a bowler after turning 40. Anderson has bowled in 15 innings from 2022 to 2023 after celebrating his 40th birthday.
Most innings bowled by seamers after age of 40 in men's Tests:
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 19, 2023
15 – James Anderson🏴 (2022-23)
14 – Lala Amarnath🇮🇳 (1951-52)
12 – Dave Nourse🇿🇦 (1921-24)#TheAshes #ENGvAUS
It is quite surprising to see a fast bowler stay away from the shorter formats in the modern era, where they can earn a lot of money by playing in T20 leagues. Anderson has focused only on Test cricket and is still among the best bowlers in the world.
