Jimmy Anderson admits that “the time is right” for Ash to step down

• Jimmy Anderson has admitted that creating the next Ashes is too much for him
• Anderson has a 22-year career with England shirt
• The 41-year-old will end his career at Lord’s this summer

Jimmy Anderson will bring the curtain down on his illustrious Test career in the fitting surroundings of Lord’s this summer after admitting the next Ashes was too difficult to make.

After becoming only the third player in Test history to take 700 Test wickets on the tour of India earlier this year, Anderson has ruled out a final clash with the Aussies before hanging up his boots.

However, he told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast yesterday that the 2025-26 series Down Under had been removed as a target during a meeting with England coach Brendon McCullum in April.

“We assess every six months and my future has been something that has been talked about – I feel like I’ve been talking about it for 10 years with every coach I’ve had the question of, ‘How long are you going to play?’

And it was just looking ahead: Could 43-year-old me be ashes in 18 months and kind of decide, maybe not,” Anderson said.

“From my point of view, at this stage of my career, it’s a stretch and from their point of view, it’s about 15 Tests before the Ashes, so it gives them time to get other guys Tests and test them before the Ashes series. .

The first England Test in the summer of 2024 will be his last as a player, but he could continue to mentor the national team.

Ben Stokes’ side do not have a permanent bowling coach and it has long been speculated that 700-wicket hauler Anderson will stay on to pass on his knowledge to the next generation once he hangs up his boots.

Anderson confirmed through a synchronized message on his social media platforms that the opening match of the series against the West Indies from July 10-14 will be the culmination of a journey in international cricket that began in 2002.

“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss going to England so much,” he wrote.

But I know it’s time to step aside and let others pursue their dreams like I did, because there’s no greater feeling than that.

“I’m excited about the new challenges ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.

“See you at the test,

‘Well go

‘jimmy x’

Anderson made the announcement after revealing on Friday that McCullum had flown in from New Zealand to discuss his future in person.

It resulted in hours spent by the man dubbed Burnley’s boomerang after he smashed Zimbabwe for five from 32 on his Test debut 21 years ago, trying to contact family and friends to personally inform them of his farewell. He would also be at Lord’s in an England shirt.

“My mom (Katherine) and dad (Michael) weren’t too surprised,” Anderson said. “My dad was like, ‘Well, yes, I’m glad you told me’, but I think he had a suspicion it might be – he came for the last Test in India and I feel he might have known.

“Buzz (McCallum) said my dad actually said to him, ‘He can retire now’ after I took my 700th wicket, so I think it was on the cards for him.” My mother was a little more emotional, I think. It’s been a big part of my life – I’ve been playing cricket for more than half of it – so I think it’s going to be weird for people around me when I’m not doing it.’

Anderson will represent Lancashire in the Test segment of the summer but is unsure whether it will be his last day on the international pitch in the sport – as it was for his great friend Stuart Broad at the Oval in 10 months. in front

Meanwhile, there are discussions about him continuing to play a mentoring role with England beyond the game. One thing he will be aiming for, however, is producing one final display in line with a distinguished career that has seen him take part in four Ashes series victories and, under Andrew Strauss, lead England’s only number one Test side. He needs eight more wickets to match the late, great Shane Warne’s 708.

“I’d rather bowl well than bowl a drop or swing,” he said. ‘You want people to remember you for the bowler you were and that’s what I hope to do in July.’

Anderson will likely want to retire in a lower key than showman Broad did at the end of last summer’s convincing Ashes victory. However, ECB chairman Richard Thompson was in no mood for that to happen as he paid his own tribute yesterday, saying: “I don’t think we’ll ever see a bowler equal to Jimmy.

At the age of 41, his bowling leadership is still remarkable and he is a true inspiration and role model for his peers and younger generations. English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other.