Another Ashes series just seemed to be too much of a stretch
Anderson admits ‘time is right’ to step aside
JIMMY ANDERSON will bring the curtain down on his illustrious Test career at the fitting setting of Lord’s this summer after conceding that making the next Ashes was too much of a stretch. Upon becoming only the third player in Test history to take 700 Test wickets on the tour of India earlier this year, Anderson refused to rule out one last skirmish with the Australians before hanging his boots.
However, he told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast yesterday that the 2025-26 series Down Under was removed as a target during an April meeting with England coach Brendon McCullum.
‘We have appraisals every six months and my future was something that has been talked about — I feel like I have talked about it for 10 years with every coach I have had asking: “How long you going to play for?”. And it was just looking ahead: could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months’ time and sort of coming to the decision, probably not,’ Anderson said.
‘From my point of view, it feels like a stretch at this point in my career and from their point of view there are 15 or so Tests before the Ashes, so it gives them time to get other guys Tests and experience before that Ashes series.’
Anderson confirmed via a synchronised message across his social media platforms that the opening match of the series against West Indies from July 10-14 would represent the culmination of a journey as an international cricketer that began way back in 2002.
‘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,’ he posted.
‘But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.
‘I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. ‘See you at the Test, ‘Go well ‘Jimmy x’ Anderson made the announcement after revealing on Friday that McCullum had flown from New Zealand to discuss his future in person.
It led to a fraught few hours for a man dubbed the Burnley Boomerang after decimating Zimbabwe with the first of his 32 five wicket hauls on Test debut 21 years ago, trying to get in touch with family and friends to deliver the news personally that his farewell in an England shirt would also be at Lord’s. ‘My mum (Catherine) and dad (Michael) weren’t that surprised,’ Anderson said. ‘My dad was like, “OK, yeah, cheers for telling me,” but I think he had a suspicion it might be the case — he came for the last Test in India and I feel like he might have known.
‘Baz (McCullum) said that my dad actually said to him: “He can retire now” after I got that 700th wicket, so I think he thought it was on the cards. My mum was slightly more emotional, I guess. It has just been a huge part of my life — over half of it I have played cricket — so I guess it will be weird for people around me too when I am not doing that.’ Anderson will represent Lancashire in the build-up to the summer’s Test segment, but is unsure whether his final day on an international field will also be his last in the sport — as was the case for his great friend Stuart Broad at the Oval 10 months ago.
Meanwhile, discussions about him continuing with England in a mentoring role post-playing are ongoing. One thing he is set on, though, is producing one final display in keeping with a career of distinction that saw him feature in four Ashes series wins and, under the leadership of Andrew Strauss England’s only No 1-ranked Test team. He requires eight more wickets to match the late, great Shane Warne’s tally of 708.
‘I would rather go out still bowling well than in decline or speeds slipping,’ he said. ‘You want to have people remember you for the bowler you’ve been and that is what I will hopefully do in July.’
Anderson is likely to covet a lower-key entry into retirement than that of the showman Broad at the end of a gripping Ashes win last summer. However, ECB chair Richard Thompson appeared in no mood to let that happen when he paid his own tribute yesterday, saying: ‘I don’t think we’ll ever see a bowler to match Jimmy again.
‘To still be bowling at the top of his game at 41 is remarkable, and he is a true inspiration and role model for peers and younger generations alike. English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other.’