LONDON (AP) — James Anderson has “made peace” with his impending England retirement — even if the evergreen seamer believes he is bowling as well as he ever has done.
Anderson, who turns 42 this month, was told by England’s management team in April that they would be moving on from him this summer as they look toward the future.
Despite his age, Anderson warmed up for his 188th and final test appearance against the West Indies at Lord’s — which starts Wednesday — with a seven-wicket haul for Lancashire last week.
Anderson, whose 700 test wickets are a record for a non-spinner, insisted he is excited for what the future holds after agreeing to remain with England’s red-ball side for the rest of the summer as a fast bowling mentor.
“I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have,” Anderson said. “But I knew it had to end at some point. Whether it’s now or in a year or two. The fact it’s now is something I’ve got to deal with and accept. The last couple of months I’ve made peace with that. I can completely understand the decision and the way the team and management want to go.
“I’d love just to be able to contribute somehow this week. Whether it’s one wicket or whatever it is, I’d love just to make a small contribution and win the game.”
While Anderson’s international career is drawing to a close, he is yet to make a decision about whether he will carry on playing for Lancashire, where he has an end named after him at Emirates Old Trafford.
“I’ll chat to the people at Lancs and see what we do going forward,” he said. “It’s a difficult one to weigh up because my emotions are all over the place.”
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