James Anderson becomes most capped England Test cricketer

Edgbaston: Veteran pacer James Anderson became England's most capped Test player after being selected to play in the second and final Test against New Zealand, here on Thursday.

It was Anderson's 162nd appearance in the Test cricket and he surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook.

The 38-year-old Anderson made his Test debut in 2003 and has taken 616 wickets - an England record.

"I can't believe I have got this far. It's been an amazing journey, '' Anderson told BBC Sport.

The pacer is seventh on the overall list for most caps and fourth for most wickets, the leading fast bowler in each.

"I'm lucky that I have got a body that can cope with the rigours of bowling. I do work hard at my fitness and my skills. It also having the hunger to turn up every day to try to get better,'' he said.

"That is all I've done since I became a professional and that will hopefully continue for a few more years yet,'' he added.

Anderson also revealed that he received a congratulatory phone call from former team-mate Cook on Wednesday night.

Before the start of play on Thursday, he was presented with a special shirt with the number 162 on the back by his England team-mates.

"That phone call meant a lot from such a close mate," said Anderson. "To go past him is very special."

Apart from Test cricket, the fast bowler has also played 194 ODIs and 19 Twenty20s, and his 375 caps across all three formats is also an England record.

He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord's 18 years ago and has played under eight different captains. (UNI)