Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_25 (matches INTEGER, player VARCHAR, wickets VARCHAR)

### Question ###
what is the sum of matches when the player is jim laker and wikets is less than 9?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT SUM(matches) FROM table_name_25 WHERE player = "jim laker" AND wickets < 9