Veteran England pacer James Anderson had a poor show in the ongoing Ashes 2023 and this made doubts on his future in international cricket as well. He has managed to pick up only four wickets in six innings across three Tests as well. Moreover, he was also left out of the playing XI for the third Test at Headingley in Leeds as well. But, he said there is no thought of retiring as well.
In his column for The Telegraph, the veteran wrote that he is enjoying being around the current crop of players a lot.
“I have certainly not had the returns I would have liked in this series,” James Anderson shared. “Everyone goes through a lean patch but you just don’t want it to be in the most high-profile series we play. Ten or 15 years ago the debate would be about whether I should be dropped. Now it is about my future. I understand that. It is the Oval, the end of a series and a time for speculation.”
READ MORE: Harbhajan Singh says Australia have the upperhand in the WTC final
“I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best for the team. That is exactly where I am at the minute,” he continued. “I love playing Test cricket as much as I ever have and this is my favourite period as an England cricketer. Just being around this group, the way we play and how we enjoy ourselves on the field. There are no thoughts about retirement,” he stated.
Meanwhile, James Anderson’s poor show in the fourth Test in Manchester has put a question mark on his place in the playing XI for the final Test as well. The final Ashes Test between England and Australia will take place at The Oval, starting on Thursday, July 27.
READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Virat Kohli’s poor show in WTC Final
“The hunger is still there. I feel like I’m bowling well, that I can still offer something to the team. I felt like I bowled well at Old Trafford and if I get another chance this week, I will just keep trying the same stuff and hope my luck changes,” James Anderson concluded.
