Former England all-rounder James Anderson has opened up about his retirement from international cricket after talking to coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. James Anderson says he was shocked when the team management announced they were walking away from him in Test cricket.
Anderson retired from international cricket earlier this year after playing for England for 21 years. He finished as one of the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket. After his retirement, he joined the England Test team as a mentor. The veteran pace bowler also played 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is.
The 42-year-old retired after the first Test against the West Indies on July 12. He held discussions with Brendon McCullum, who informed him that the team wanted to build for the Ashes in Australia later that year. Anderson, who scored 704 runs in 188 Tests, accepted the team’s decision to continue.
I don’t think I’m angry – James Anderson
Speaking to The Guardian, James Anderson said he was shocked but not angry when McCullum and Ben Stokes delivered their plans. He admitted that he will continue to play as long as his body allows, but admits that the team management wants him to retire.
“When I go to them, I feel cold. This is not a team evaluation, is it? I feel like Joe Pesci in Goodfellas, put in a room under the impression that I’m going to make it, only to get shot,” Anderson told The Guardian.
“I don’t think I’m upset. I was just shocked. But honestly, I would go on as long as my body would let me. “I needed that nudge to say maybe now is a good time to finish,” he said.
Don’t think I’m coping too well – James Anderson
Anderson spoke about how returning to the England team as bowling coach helped him adjust to life after his playing career. He admitted that it would have been very difficult to cope with if he was completely removed from cricket.
“If it was cut out of my life completely, I don’t think I would have coped very well. It helped me that they asked me to stay in the group. I’m still in the dressing room, I still see my mates every day, I still influence Test matches, but obviously in a very different way,” Anderson added.
I find it quite exciting – James Anderson
James Anderson said coaching has been a learning experience for him. He is excited to take on a new role and evaluate his abilities in that role. Anderson believes that stepping into coaching has benefited the team as it has created more opportunities for bowlers to come in and perform well.
“I’m excited to learn something different and learn more about myself and whether I’m good at it. So it’s been quite interesting and as a coach, I can see now that the decision has really benefited the team because there have been more opportunities for the bowlers to come in and do well.”
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