James Anderson Reveals Team Management Pushed Him to Retire

James Anderson, one of the most successful bowlers in the history of England’s Test cricket, made a striking statement on Wednesday regarding his retirement. Anderson revealed that stepping away from international cricket was not his own decision, but a move he was forced into following a directive from the team management. He stated that England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes had told him that “it was time to go,” indirectly implying that the team management was responsible for his retirement decision. Notably, Anderson’s final international match will be the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, scheduled for July 10.

Speaking to The Independent, the 42-year-old fast bowler shared his candid feelings. “To tell the truth, I still have mixed emotions about it. It wasn’t in my hands. They decided to remove me from the team. At the time, it deeply disappointed me. Even before my final Test match, I was preparing for the next 18 months of Test cricket. Retirement was not at all on my mind. I still felt I had the hunger, ability, and drive to train hard and enhance my skills,” said Anderson.

According to reports, in May last year, England Cricket Board Managing Director Rob Key, along with Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, had a conversation with Anderson, making it clear that he would no longer be part of their Test plans. Anderson announced his retirement that same week and played his final match the following month. However, he found some solace in being appointed as a bowling mentor for the remainder of the series, which allowed him to continue influencing the team.

“If I had walked away from the team after the West Indies Test match, it would have been much harder for me to understand and accept that it was the end. Staying with the team, being in the dressing room, and trying to make an impact on the Test matches helped me. The response I received was far greater than I had anticipated. Even though only an hour of play occurred on that final day against the West Indies, the stadium was packed. Seeing the sea of people was an incredible experience,” Anderson said.

The veteran fast bowler, who has taken 700 wickets in 187 Test matches, currently plays for Lancashire in English county cricket. Despite this, Anderson admitted that he still harbours a desire to return to the England team, though he acknowledged that the possibility is slim. “Honestly, I think that door may have closed. If I get a phone call, I would seriously consider it, but I don’t expect that to happen. I feel I’m quite far away from that now. For me to be considered again, many players would have to be injured,” Anderson remarked.