James Anderson not enjoying his role as bowling mentor? England great makes big revelation after retirement

Former England pace bowler James Anderson has spoken candidly about his transition from player to bowling mentor for the national cricket team. James Anderson revealed that he is enjoying the role of bowling mentor and added that he has known most of the bowlers in the current England Test team for years.

James Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. Anderson joined the England team as a bowling mentor for the remaining two matches of the series. Interestingly, he is expected to feature in England’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

The Ben Stokes-led team registered an innings victory by 114 runs against the West Indians in the first Test of the three-match series at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Anderson took three wickets in two innings in the match. He did not face a single delivery in the only innings he came to bat.

It’s been an interesting few days – James Anderson

Speaking to Sky Sports during the innings break, James Anderson said he was happy with his new position and relieved not to have to bowl in challenging conditions anymore. Anderson also noted that his familiarity with most of the current bowlers has made the transition smoother.

“It’s been an interesting few days, dealing with the emotions of Lord’s and then coming straight here and taking on a new job. I’ve enjoyed it,” Anderson told Sky Sports during the Nottingham Test against the West Indies.

“I’ve known most of the bowlers for years, it’s nice to just relax and not try to throw the tail out on a flat one. I’ve really enjoyed it so far!” he added.

“I’ve really enjoyed it so far!” 🤩

Jimmy Anderson on his new role as mentor to the England bowling team after retirement 🗣️ photo.twitter.com/BYRV3PU2t9

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 20, 2024

“My journey as a cricketer was actually a matter of a lot of luck. I only came into cricket because my dad played for the local club in Burnley. We didn’t play at all at school. So we look at the England dressing room and there are a lot of guys who the private school system. I would like to create more opportunities for children in public schools, not necessarily to move on and become professionals, but “Just to get a chance to play the game,” Anderson said.

The 41-year-old pacer retired with 704 Test wickets in 188 matches at an average of 26.45. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708). He took 10 or more wickets in a match three times and took five or more wickets in an innings 32 times.

Anderson made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, where he took 5-73 in the first innings. In April 2015, he broke Sir Ian Botham’s record for Test wickets (384). The veteran pacer has also excelled for England in all formats, taking 269 wickets in ODI cricket and 18 wickets in the T20I format.

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