James Anderson vs Australia 2023. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
After a brilliant 21-year career as one of England’s greatest-ever bowlers, James Anderson is preparing for his Test retirement. The 41-year-old will play his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s starting on July 10th.
While some part of Anderson still wishes he could keep going for another decade, he knows the time has come to make way for the next generation. Anderson has been an iconic figure in English cricket since making his Test debut back in 2003 at the age of 20. He went on to take a record 700 Test wickets, more than any other pace bowler in history.
His skill with the red ball is par excellence, as the ability to move the ball both ways at a good pace even late in his career. Eight more wickets will see him tie Australian great Shane Warne’s record for second on the all-time list.
“In my head, I feel like I could play for 10 years. I realize that is not realistic. Some days I wake up and wish I was not retiring. Ninety per cent of the time I’m happy with it. Not many people in sports get the chance to retire over the age of 40. I’m happy I’ve made it this far,” he said on the Tailenders podcast.
Also read: James Anderson shares his expectations from himself
I don’t know how much of that was me: James Anderson
Anderson explained that the decision to retire was constantly running through his mind due to outside noise. He revealed that the rumours about his future were a major talking point in the latter part of his career.
“There’s been two or three moments on the field, if the opposition are 500-3, I’ll be thinking, ‘do I want to still be doing this?’ They are fleeting thoughts, nothing that has stuck with me for more than an over,” he added.
“I don’t know how much of that was me, and how much it was the external noise that comes with ageing. For the last six years, or even longer, it’s been, ‘how long can you go on for? That in itself, certainly for the last couple of years, has been quite draining,” he concluded.