New Delhi: James Anderson said he was neither angry nor emotional when he was nudged towards retirment from Test cricket by the England management.
The pace great announced he will quit after England’s first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, which starts on Wednesday.
It will be the right arm seamer’s 188th and final appearance for England in the five-day format, bringing the curtains down to a record-breaking career being the only pacer to claim over 700 Test wickets.
Despite turning 42 at the end of July, he wanted to carry on for another season but he knew his time was up when England managing director Rob Key, red-ball coach Brendon McCullum and Test captain Ben Stokes arranged for a meeting with him in late April.
They informed Anderson of their decision of building a squad with a eye on the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia.
“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise because when the three big dogs invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat I didn’t think it was just a normal appraisal,” Anderson said at news conference at Lord’s on Monday.
“I had a suspicion that that was going to be the case. I think they were surprised at how calm I was when I reacted. I think I was probably surprised at my reaction. I wasn’t overly emotional about it or angry about it or anything.”
Anderson said he come to terms with his impending exit, having announced his decision to retire in May.
“I saw their point of view and appreciated them taking the time out to lay it out for me, the reasoning and stuff like that. Since then I’ve come to terms with it and made peace with that decision.
“Now I’m just looking forward to one more game and then see what’s ahead,” he said, having conformed his role as mentor to England pacers once he hangs up his boots.
He is still among wickets though, claiming a 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 ever have. But I knew it had to end at some point. Whether it’s now or in a year or two… I’d love just to be able to contribute somehow this week,” he said.
“Whether it’s one wicket or whatever it is, I’d love just to make a small contribution and win the game.”
James Anderson will quit Test cricket after England’s first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, which starts on Wednesday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
