James Anderson the England fast bowling veteran was made to announce his retirement earlier than he would have liked as team management, most notably head coach Brendon McCullum and test captain Ben Stokes pressuring the pacer into an earlier-than-expected end to his international test career.
News broke almost 2 months ago that James Anderson would be ending his test, and thus his international cricketing career for England following the 1st Test at Lords against the West Indies. This was surprising news as the England legend was believed to have a few more years in the tank, and would continue at least as far as the 2025 Ashes. But this was not to be. Now the news is breaking that James Anderson would remain with the England outfit in a coach/mentoring role in the bowling department.
James Anderson’s Long Goodbye
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We all knew it was coming but we just didn’t know when exactly it would happen. James Anderson has been the mainstay of the England Test bowling attack for a good decade. And for much of that time, he was the leading pacer in the ODI unit as well. Having made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 the curtains are set to come down with the end of the first test against the West Indies in July (10 – 14) at the home of cricket: Lords.
One can argue it is a fitting end to the greatest England test bowler and one of the best bowlers the nation has produced period. However, that is not the truth. The signs were there that behind the scenes the thinking heads of England cricket believed that the time to on from James Anderson and forward with new players had come. The factor that eventually pushed the Lancashire-born player is a new game plan for the England test team that has been on the rocks in terms of performance, with Brendon Mc Cullum and Ben Stokes believing it was time to blood new players into the ranks.
James Anderson – England’s Bowling Mentor
Cricket as a sport has changed a lot over the years. With the dawn of T20 and later premier league cricket the sport has produced new demands on players. This has meant that coaches alone cannot do all the heavy lifting. Thus enter the role of mentor. A function popular in the business world that has gained greater traction in sport.
As a mentor, James Anderson will be in the right place to guide and motivate the players in the England ranks. Aiding their progression towards maturity. And the signs are that this role will be the stepping stone for a greater commitment if things go well. And given his pedigree and experience James is the right fit for this role.
England Cricket – Looking to the Future
Say what may, James Anderson has had a huge impact on English cricket. And the player arguably had a couple of more years left in the tank. And one would guess that he would have liked to have made his final send-off in next year’s Ashes in Australia. However, the decision now appears was made for him. James Anderson England’s leading white-ball bowler and wicket-taker is to step down. The question now is who will step into his place?
England of course a lot of talent lining up. With the likes of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson waiting in the wings. However, Anderson’s presence will surely be missed. By English cricket and indeed the world that follows the gentleman’s game. James Anderson was a class player, who was committed 100 percent to his craft. And true gentleman of the sport, and this new chapter as a bowling mentor is hopefully the start of a new chapter for him.
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