New Delhi: England’s all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson announced his retirement from Test cricket in July. The 42-year-old after retirement immediately joined England’s coaching staff for the home Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka.
But his stint with the team is now extended through to the end of the year. The fast bowler was informed earlier this year that the team would be moving on without him during a meeting with head coach Brendon McCullum, skipper Ben Stokes and managing director Rob Key. Anderson took 704 wickets in 188 matches at an average of 26.46.
He will now continue as England’s bowling coach for the three-match Test series against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in November. The England Cricket Board (ECB) is also interested in retaining his expertise as they build towards the 2025-26 Ashes series.
After Anderson’s retirement, Gus Atkinson picked up 33 wickets in his first five Test matches, while Matthew Potts and Olly Stone have also made a comeback to England’s playing XI in Test cricket. In the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, England have handed a debut to left-arm pacer Josh Hull.
‘I’m still learning about coaching’: James Anderson
During the third England vs Sri Lanka Test match, Anderson told Sky Sports that he is going to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter. He also said that he’s very new to this role and still learning about coaching.
“At the minute, I’m due to go to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter. Then nothing concrete after that. I’m very new to this, I’m still learning as we go. It’s partly me trying to figure out if this is where I want to go with the next stage of my career and also for them to figure out if I’m any good at it” said Anderson to Sky Sports.
Former fast-bowler James Anderson said he will continue to be the fast-bowling mentor in England’s upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
