It's a bit surreal, says 500 man James Anderson

London, September 9: After capturing his 500th Test wicket, England pace bowler James Anderson rated it as a "surreal" experience.

"It is a bit surreal still and I can't quite believe I have got this many wickets or played as much cricket as I have, but I'm more relieved to get it out of the way more than anything else," said Anderson.

"Lord's is such a special place for me and to get my first Test wicket here and 500th here will live with me for a long time. I have family and friends in the crowd which makes it more special," he said.

Ben Stokes six-wicket effort in the first innings delayed Anderson reaching the landmark.

"Ideally, I would have got it out of the way first day but Ben did not want me to, so I had to wait until today. I felt a bit emotional on the field, I knew my family were there in the crowd; kids, Mum and Dad, my wife. Knowing they were there made it very special as did sharing it with guys I have played over 100 Tests with," Anderson said.

"It was an amazing feeling to see how pleased they were for me. It made me emotional for a couple of overs but then I got my focus back. Normally, I have different emotions. Normally, they are anger and frustration. But today it was a bit more happiness. It took me a bit by surprise."