Legend Jimmy plans one last blast
JIMMY ANDERSON believes the “time is right” to end his Test career with England. Anderson has announced that July’s first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s will be his final appearance for England in the five-day format.
The 41-year-old became the first seamer and just the third bowler in history to reach 700 Test wickets, after spinners Shanewarne and Muttiah Muralitharan, in his most recent outing against India in Dharamsala in March.
But he has decided to call time on his Test career after talks with head coach Brendon Mccullum, who wants to modify his side’s seam attack and build towards the future with one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes.
Anderson wrote on Instagram: “Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last.
“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid.
“I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams, because there is no greater feeling.”
Yesterday, Anderson revealed he is open to transitioning to the backroom staff for the remaining five Tests of the summer – two against the Windies and three versus Sri Lanka – and he has discussed the prospect with director of England men’s cricket Rob Key, plus Mccullum and captain Ben Stokes.
“I feel excited about what the future might hold,” Anderson said on his BBC Tailenders podcast.
“Potentially sticking around with the team this summer in a different capacity would be nice.
“We have chatted about it but the chats are ongoing. I’ll keep talking to Stokesy, Baz and Rob Key.”