Veteran England pacer James Anderson has shut down retirement talks, asserting that he still has a lot to offer to the team. There were speculations about him retiring from the sport after the conclusion of the ongoing 2023 Ashes series. However, he has expressed his determination to continue playing cricket.
James Anderson will turn 41 on July 30, 2023. With 977 International wickets, he has proven to be one of the best bowlers in world cricket. However, he has struggled to make an impact in the 2023 Ashes series. He has taken just five wickets in seven innings. Speaking to Test Match Special, James Anderson acknowledged that he is experiencing a lean patch during the series. However, he added that he still has another innings to make an impact for the team. He said,
“You pray that these lean patches don’t come in one of the biggest series you could play in but unfortunately for me, that is the case. I’ve still got another innings to try to do something for the team.”
In the ongoing fifth Test, James Anderson bowled Mitchell Marsh in the first innings. He took 1/67 in 26 overs. Australia was bowled out for 295 runs in response to England’s 283 in the first innings.
“I felt like today I bowled really well and on another day I could have got a couple more wickets. It felt like I challenged the forward defence a lot, which is what I’ve tried to do throughout my career,” said Anderson.
Is there a better sight in Test cricket?
Stumps cartwheeling and Jimmy Anderson with his finger in the air ☝️#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/idQQHpe5Yi
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023
I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give: James Anderson
James Anderson has taken 690 wickets in 183 Test matches for England, with 32 five-wicket hauls. He shared that he has bowled well in the last few years, despite the challenges. He also added that he feels that he has a lot more to offer to the team, and isn’t thinking about retirement. James Anderson said,
“As soon as you get into your 30s as a bowler, people are asking how long you’ve got left. But in the past three or four years, I’ve bowled as well as I ever have. I feel like I’ve been in so much control, my body has been in a good place, and my skills are as good as they ever have been.”
“The numbers, the wickets, the selection side of it is a completely different issue. If Stokesy and Baz say ‘You’ve not got the wickets we would have liked’ then I’d be absolutely fine with that. In terms of retirement, I’ve got no interest in going any time soon. I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give,” he added.
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