By India Today Sports Desk: England fast bowler James Anderson once again brushed aside retirement calls, asserting that he still has much to offer to the team. Despite turning 41, Anderson remains determined to continue playing cricket. In the ongoing Ashes series, the all-time wicket-taker for England has managed to secure only five wickets, leading to concerns about his form.
Speaking to Test Match Special, Anderson acknowledged the challenges of experiencing lean patches during significant series. However, he remains optimistic, stating that he still has another innings to contribute to the team’s efforts.
“You pray that these lean patches don’t come in one of the biggest series you could play in but unfortunately for me that is the case,” Anderson said. “I’ve still got another innings to try to do something for the team.”
In the fifth Test at The Oval, Anderson showcased his skill and experience on the second day, but was only able to secure the wicket of Mitchell Marsh. England succeeded in dismissing Australia for 295, granting the tourists a lead of 12 runs. As the series stands at 2-1 in Australia’s favour, England are keen to level it at 2-2.
“I felt like today I bowled really well and on another day I could have got a couple more wickets,” said Anderson. “It felt like I challenged the forward defence a lot, which is what I’ve tried to do throughout my career.”
Reflecting on his performance, Anderson believed that he bowled exceptionally well and expressed confidence that on a different day, he could have claimed a few more wickets. Throughout his illustrious career, challenging the forward defense has been a key aspect of his bowling strategy.
The bowler entered the Ashes series after recovering from a groin injury sustained while playing for Lancashire. The unresponsive surfaces during the first two Tests affected his performance, limiting him to just one wicket at Edgbaston and two at Lord’s, leading to England’s defeats in those matches.
Anderson also missed the Headingley Test, played on a pitch more suitable for his style, where England secured a win. Returning to his home ground at Old Trafford, he managed one wicket during a rain-affected draw, continuing a streak of not playing in a Test win against Australia since 2015.
Despite the recent challenges, Anderson emphasised that he does not feel like he’s losing pace or nearing the end of his career. He believes he can still make valuable contributions to the team. The seasoned bowler became the oldest player to open the bowling for England in an Ashes Test since 1925.
Under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum, Anderson has performed admirably, taking 50 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 23. However, his bowling average in 2023 has been recorded as 36, the worst calendar performance since 2007.
“As soon as you get into your 30s as a bowler, people are asking how long you’ve got left,” Anderson said. “But in the past three or four years, I’ve bowled as well as I ever have. I feel like I’ve been in so much control, my body has been in a good place, my skills are as good as they ever have been.”
“The numbers, the wickets, the selection side of it is a completely different issue. If Stokesy and Baz say ‘you’ve not got the wickets we would have liked’ then I’d be absolutely fine with that. In terms of retirement, I’ve got no interest in going any time soon. I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give.”
Following the conclusion of the Ashes, Anderson’s next opportunity to play for England will come during the series in India in January. Despite questions about how much longer he can continue as a bowler in his 30s, Anderson maintains that he feels in control, with his skills and physical condition still in top form.
