England National Cricket Team pace bowling legend James Anderson despite his retirement from international cricket, he reiterated his desire to extend his playing career. However, he is not sure about the path he should take to extend his cricket career.
James Anderson has confirmed his retirement from international cricket in May 2024 and will play his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s in July. He finished his career as the leading wicket-taker in Test history among fast bowlers.
James Anderson Works as a Consultant in England
Anderson has been strong despite being in his early 40s, but Ben Stokes, Rob Key and Brendon McCullum have all hinted at the future of the veteran pacer. Hence, the right-arm fast had to retire from international cricket.
After his retirement, the England and Wales Cricket Board hired him as a bowling consultant and since then he has been working with the coaching staff, helping the team’s young pacers.
Recently, James Anderson also talked about the idea of playing franchise cricket. He last appeared in T20s in the NatWest Blast final for Lancashire in 2014 but is keen to return with playing ability.
“I’ve got a few months to make a call about what I’m going to do next year, but in the back of my mind I’d like to do it,” Anderson said, as quoted by the BBC.
“I still feel fit, I still have the desire to get the ball in my hands, so I would like to try it. If someone accepts me, it’s a completely different question.”
Also read: James Anderson reveals how Pakistan’s ‘re-use of the Multan pitch’ will help Ben Stokes’ dominance
I miss it and I feel like I enjoy coming to the net and getting the ball in my hands – James Anderson
When asked if he has an “itch to scratch” as a player, the 42-year-old said he does and misses playing cricket.
“For me it definitely is. Whether someone else wants to scratch that itch for me is another question. I miss it and I feel like I enjoy going to the net and getting the ball in my hands.”
Anderson is currently in Pakistan for the three-match Test series. He was not in the squad as they prepared for the first Test, preferring to play golf over his cricket commitments at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. But he joined the team on the second day of the first Test.
James Anderson’s absence from his first Test warm-up sparked much controversy and coach Brendon McCullum had to step forward to defend his late arrival.
I didn’t accept this invitation until I talked to Baz – James Anderson about it
Anderson spoke about the issue and said that after talking to Brendon McCullum, he accepted the golf invitation and contacted the bowlers. He said:
“I didn’t accept the invitation until Baza talked about it. I’m not full-time with England, I’m a consultant. He didn’t see a problem with that.
“I was still in touch with the bowlers and in the end it didn’t matter that I wasn’t here. I thought we bowled really well. I’m lucky Baz is such an understanding guy.
“The last few tours I’ve been on, we didn’t have a bowling coach. It’s good for the kids to take some responsibility. It didn’t matter in the end, did it?”
Also read: Kevin Pietersen’s bid as Pakistan are set to play the 2nd Test at the same Multan ground
