‘I don’t think I was angry. I was just shocked’ – James Anderson on being forced to retire

James Anderson. (Source – Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

The legendary James Anderson stated that as long as his body allowed him, he would have played Test cricket for England. England’s highest wicket-taker said he felt like Joe Pesci in Goodfellas when England head coach Brendon McCullum and red-ball skipper Ben Stokes informed him that they were willing to look beyond him in the longest format of the game.

However, the 42-year-old said that he was more shocked than angry. Anderson admitted that going away from the game altogether would have been a bitter pill to swallow for him. The Burnley-born has been working as the fast bowling coach of the England team after hanging up his boots.

“As I walk towards them, it hits me cold. This isn’t a team appraisal, is it? I feel like Joe Pesci in Goodfellas, ushered into a room under the impression that I’m going to get made, only to be shot. I don’t think I was angry. I was just shocked. But, to be honest, I would have carried on for as long as my body let me. Maybe I needed that nudge to say now’s a good time to finish,” Anderson told The Guardian.

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“If it had been completely cut out of my life I don’t think I’d have coped very well. The fact that they wanted me to stay in the group helped me. I’m still having the dressing-room environment, still seeing my mates every day, still having an impact on Test matches, but obviously in a very different way,” he added.

I can now see that the decision actually benefited the team: James Anderson

Anderson asserted that he is enjoying his new coaching role and learning new things on the job. He also conceded that his retirement call was beneficial for the team as it opened up opportunities for new bowlers to come in and prove their mettle.

“I find it quite exciting that I’m getting to learn a different job and finding out more about myself and whether I’m any good at it. So it’s been pretty interesting and, as a coach, I can now see that the decision actually benefited the team because there’ve been more opportunities for bowlers to come in and do well,” Anderson revealed.

England have some important Test series to deal with in the coming months. The Three Lions travel to New Zealand before hosting India. They also have the next year’s Ashes in Australia to contend with. Anderson said that his primary role is to prepare the young pacers for the challenges ahead.

“That’s exactly what they were trying to do with the Ashes happening in a year’s time. They want to make sure they’ve got enough players with the experience to cope,” he ended.