Just one month after retiring from Test cricket, English great James Anderson is thinking about making a comeback. After the first Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, the 42-year-old recently hung up his boots. He has made references to a possible comeback to white-ball cricket, specifically in the Hundred competition.
With a spectacular run, Anderson completed his brilliant international career as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the only pacer to exceed 700 wickets in the format. He retired and was a bowling instructor for England’s final two Test matches against the West Indies.
Ho Wever, Anderson never formally declared his retirement from cricket altogether, keeping open the possibility of a comeback. With the possibility of swinging deliveries, the seasoned bowler indicated interest in taking part in the Hundred tournament.
Since I haven’t played any franchise games previously, I find the shorter formats to be a little intriguing. I feel like I could work there after watching The Hundred this year and watching the ball swing about. I may be somewhat unaware, so I’m living in denial. I haven’t decided on my actual cricket career yet, but I won’t play for England again,” he declared, as reported by Times Now.
I’ll be proficient in that style of cricket: James Anderson
James Anderson played his final Twenty20 international matches for the Three Lions in 2009, having spent the later portion of his career concentrating on Test cricket. He is, nevertheless, willing to investigate possibilities in the game’s condensed structure.
I’ll be able to sit down and consider whether I want to play cricket in any capacity again the next year once this summer is over. “I’m not closing myself off to anything, and I’m quite open to thoughts of any sort of cricket right now. I’m still fit enough to play,” he continued.
The pacer knows that people are hesitant to accept him because of his age, but he still has faith in his skills. The seamer with the right arm is eager to learn more about this style of bowling.
“We’ll have to wait and see if people are interested in having me participate in that kind of stuff; it’s difficult to predict. Although it has been a long since I played it and my age will be brought up again, I genuinely believe I’ll be competent enough to play that type of cricket,” he continued.
During the upcoming Ashes series, Ben Stokes, the captain of England, has said that he would like Anderson to coach his squad. But Anderson is still unsure if coaching is what he really wants to do.
“I still have a long way to go before I know if this is what I’m passionate about,” the speaker said. Whether I’m the right man for the position is something Ben Stokes and England must also determine. It’s going OK so far, but you never know,” Stokes remarked.