As James Anderson celebrates his 41st birthday on Sunday, the English cricketing legend has quashed retirement rumors and affirmed his commitment to international cricket. Despite a lean patch in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series against Australia, where he has managed just six wickets so far, Anderson has no immediate plans to bid farewell to the game.
Boasting an impressive record of 690 wickets, making him England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket and the most prolific fast bowler in the format’s history, Anderson acknowledges that talks about his retirement have been circulating since he entered his 30s. However, the experienced bowler believes he is still at the peak of his abilities.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni’s Knee Recovery: Sakshi Provides Update Amidst Speculation
“I’ve bowled as well as I ever have in the past three or four years. 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. 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,” James Anderson stated in an interview with the BBC’s Test Match Special after the second day’s play on Friday.
Not done yet? 😤#Ashes #BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/tiCLiD9Kyw
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 28, 2023
Even after being benched for the third Test in Headingley, which England went on to win after facing a 2-0 deficit, Anderson remains confident in his abilities and the value he brings to the team.
“I don’t feel like I’m bowling badly or losing pace or that I’m on the way out. I still feel I can offer a lot to this team,” he emphasized.
ALSO READ: Stuart Broad opines on Steve Smith surviving close run-out call
While England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes trophy were dashed by rain washing out play on Day 5 in Manchester, with Australia retaining the urn, Anderson remains determined and eager to continue contributing to the team’s success. With his impressive skillset and experience, the legendary bowler shows no signs of slowing down, proving that age is just a number when it comes to his cricketing prowess.
