Anderson ‘at peace’ with Test retirement

England star James Anderson says he has accepted the imminent retirement, even though he feels his bowling is still going strong as his 42nd birthday approaches.

The first Test match against the West Indians at Lord’s, which starts on Wednesday, will be the fast man’s 188th and final appearance after a record-breaking career spanning two decades.

No fast bowler has taken more than Anderson’s 700 Test wickets and only Indian batting hero Sachin Tendulkar has played more matches in the five-day competition.

Anderson might have been able to continue for the rest of the season, even though he turns 42 at the end of July.

But the decision to retire was made for him when he met with England chief executive Rob Key, red-ball coach Brendon McCullum and Test captain Ben Stokes in late April.

The hierarchy told Anderson they wanted to make changes to build a squad for the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia.

“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise because when the big three invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat, I didn’t think it was just a normal valuation,” Anderson told a press conference at Lord’s.

“I had a feeling that that would be the case. I think they were surprised at how calm I was when I reacted. I think I was probably surprised by my reaction. I wasn’t overly emotional about it or angry about it or anything like that.”

He added: “I saw their position and appreciated that they took the time to explain it to me, the reasoning and things like that. I’ve since accepted it and made peace with that decision.”

In early May, Anderson released a statement announcing that he would retire from Test cricket after the first Test match against West Indies.

“Now I’m just looking forward to one more game and then I’ll see what happens,” said the bowler, who will serve as a mentor to England’s speedy players for the rest of the season.

Anderson prepared for his Test exit with an impressive seven-wicket haul for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship last week.

“I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I’ve ever bowled,” he said. “But I knew it had to stop at some point. Whether that’s now or in a year or two … I’d love to be able to contribute in some way this week.

“Whether it’s one wicket or whatever, I’d like to make a small contribution and win the match.”

The normally reserved Anderson said he may struggle to control his emotions as he ends his Test career which began 21 years ago against Zimbabwe at Lord’s.

“I’m sure the emotions will change throughout the week, but right now I’m just trying to focus on stopping the crying,” he said.

When asked what he enjoyed most about his long Test career, he replied: “Playing my 188th Test at almost 42 years of age makes me most proud and I continue to push myself to be the best I can.”

West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder paid tribute to Anderson saying: “I’m sure he’s got a lot left in him and things to prove.

“I always enjoy playing against great players and he is without a doubt one of the best players in the game, so I’m looking forward to the last game.”

Anderson has not yet decided whether he will continue playing for Lancashire.

“There’s a good chance this week will be my last game of first-class cricket this season, but we’ll have to see what happens,” he said. “It’s a tough call because my emotions are all over the place.”

© Agence France-Presse

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