Veteran England pace bowler James Anderson recalled the time when the captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Robert Key met him a couple of months ago to discuss his red-ball future. The veteran also said that he wasn’t surprised by what they had to say. With England having one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes series Down Under, the trio requested James Anderson to step away from Test cricket. Hence, the first Test of England’s summer against the West Indies at Lord’s will be his final Test for the country as well.

Speaking at a presser, he said as quoted by BBC Sport,  “I wouldn’t say it was a surprise, because when the three big dogs invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat I didn’t think it was just a normal appraisal. I had a suspicion that that was going to be the case. I think they were surprised at how calm I was and I was probably surprised at my reaction. I wasn’t overly emotional or angry about it. I saw their point of view and appreciated them taking the time to lay it out for me.”

He has arguably been one of England’s greatest-ever sportspersons. Having made his debut way back in 2003, the right-arm pace bowler is one of the only three bowlers to take 700 Test scalps.

“I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or how I’d feel about it. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying,” he shared.