James Anderson and Stuart Broad were left out of the England squad for three tests against the West Indies in March; Anderson says there was initially “frustration, anger and shock” over the decision, but feels he still has “a lot to offer” in international cricket.
James Anderson is England’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time with 640 wickets in 169 games.
James Anderson is “praying” his England career isn’t over after sitting out March’s test tour of the West Indies.
Anderson, 39, and sewing partner Stuart Broad, 35, were omitted from a 16-man squad despite taking a combined 1,177 Test wickets.
Anderson, England’s all-time Test wicket-taking leader and the third most prolific in the game’s history with 640 scalps, said he felt “frustration and anger” after being eliminated and believes he still has more. to offer.
The bowler also says “another frustration” was a “five-minute call” with interim managing director Sir Andrew Strauus on-site following Ashley Giles’ departure, which “didn’t really clarify much”.
Talking with him BBC Tailenders Podcast, Anderson said: “I pray this isn’t the end but if I never play for England again I know I have amazing people around me to support me and that’s really important.”
“I have a lot left to offer, I’m still hungry and passionate to play. Since I turned 35, my record has improved even more, so I know I’m not slowing down, I’m not losing.” anything.
“‘It’s been a weird couple of weeks. It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call, but after I’ve processed it, it’s important that I try to focus on things I can control. It shows people what I can do with life. ball in my hand.
“There have been quite a few texts between me and Broady, in particular, bringing out some initial anger and frustration, but now that that’s gone, he’s looking at things we can affect.
“I have one more chance to dig in,” added Anderson, who will be looking to force his return to the team this summer by impressing for Lancashire in red ball cricket. “I’ve done a lot of digging in the last 20 years at times.”
Anderson posted the best average of any England bowler during the Ashes 4-0 thrashing in Australia, 23.37, as he took eight wickets in three matches.
He added: “Obviously it was a tough tour of Australia but I was happy with the way I played, I put in some decent performances.
“There will be a new director of cricket and a new head coach in the summer, so I hope that any decision that is made will be talked about in the way that it should be.”
Speaking on the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Shane Warne said he wasn’t surprised Anderson was left out of the Caribbean trip, but he was surprised Broad was also left out.
“I wasn’t surprised Anderson was left out. He’s the best bowler in England and when the conditions are right he’s still a handful, but when he was flat [in Australia] I think he struggled,” Warne said.
“He threw good line and length, was economical and was able to dry one end and was able to make a firepower role at the other end. But I think he needs conditions.”
“You want him to play in England and if he plays in the West Indies after the Ashes series it will be tough in England so I don’t mind him getting a break but he would have played Broad.”
“I think he bowled very well in Australia sometimes. People put Broad and Anderson together, but Broad is four years younger than Anderson, so I’m surprised Broad didn’t go to the West Indies.”
Carlos Brathwaite believes the omissions of Broad and Anderson could turn the tide of the West Indies Test series.
“I think it will be a level playing field, but the fact that England don’t have Broad and Anderson puts it a little bit in favor of the West Indies,” the Barbados-born multi-talent said. Sky sports news.
“I was very surprised by Broad and Anderson [were left out] As they are stalwarts of the game, their numbers and longevity prove it, but tough decisions always have to be made.
“When they’re done, they can be frowned upon, but if they turn out in a positive way, you can look back and say it was a defining moment.
“I hope the West Indies win but I see the series ending 2-1, not sure which way. I think it will be very close.”
“England is still moving a bit and the West Indies have had the best of England the last two times in the Caribbean.
