Former England pace bowler and bowling consultant James Anderson said that he is not a full-time support staff member with the side amid criticism over his absence on the eve of the first Pakistan Test at Multan as well. The veteran retired after the first Test of England’s home series against the West Indies and has since been with the team as their bowling consultant as well.

Addressing the criticism regarding the same, Anderson said to BBC: “I didn’t accept that invitation (Golf tournament) before speaking to Baz about it. I’m not full-time with England, I’m a consultant. He didn’t see an issue with it. I was still in contact with the bowlers and in the end it didn’t really matter that I wasn’t here. I thought we bowled really well. I’m lucky that Baz is such an understanding fella. The last few tours I went on we didn’t have a bowling coach. It is good for the lads to take some responsibility. In the end it didn’t matter did it?”

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James Anderson also confirmed his desire to return to playing cricket but he was not sure where and for whom as well. The veteran pace bowler walked away from international cricket after having a stunning 22-year career with match figures of 4/58 in his final match – the first
Test against the West Indies as well.

“I have got a couple of months to make a call on what I do next year but in my head I would like to. I still feel fit, I still have the urge to get a ball in my hand, so I would like to give it a go. If anyone will take me is a different question altogether. There definitely is for me. Whether someone else would like to scratch that itch for me is another question. I do miss it and I do feel like I enjoy coming to the nets and getting the ball in my hand,” concluded James Anderson.