James Anderson will transition into coaching role following his retirement from Test cricket after the Lord’s Test against West Indies. England’s legendary fast bowler, James Anderson, will transition into a mentorship role with the national team upon retiring from Test cricket. James Anderson, who will play his final Test in the series opener against the West Indies at Lord’s next week, will serve as the side’s fast-bowling mentor.
As England prepare for the Test series against the West Indies, they have named three uncapped players in their squad for the first two matches. Among them is 23-year-old Jamie Smith, who has been selected as the wicketkeeper ahead of seasoned players Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Smith has been in stellar form, averaging over 50 in the County Championship and recently scoring 100 for Surrey against Essex.
James Anderson Farewell
England have announced their squad for the first two Tests against West Indies, as the sides are all-set to lock horns in the three-match Test series in England. The Test series will also mark as the farewell of England’s greatest ever fast bowler — James Anderson, and the English supporters will be seeing the very last of ‘Jimmy’ in an English white shirt.
The 41-year old is a legend of the sport and ever since his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, it will be ‘The Home of Cricket’ Lord’s that will mark his final ever international appearance, as after 187 matches and 700 wickets, the right-arm pacer will call it a day.
The English squad has seen some big and surprising omissions, with out-of-form Jonny Bairstow being dropped, and Chris Woakes returns to the red-ball circuit of England since Ashes 2023. The squad will see some notable changes, as few fresh faces will be in the contention to make an impact against the Caribbeans.
Rob Key, England’s managing director, confirmed the transition on Monday and has words of appreciation for James Anderson.
Robert Key reveals James Anderson’s new role after retirement post 1st test of the series.
The England men’s team’s managing director, Robert Key has announced that James Anderson will return as their fast-bowling mentor after retiring from international cricket. Keys said they don’t want to miss out on the tons of experience that Anderson has.
The Lancashire bowler announced in May earlier this year that the upcoming Lord’s Test against the West Indies, the first of England’s cricketing summer, will be his last game. The Test starts on Wednesday, July 10.
Robert Key recently shed light on how the 41-year-old’s presence will continue to benefit England cricket even after his retirement. He told the BBC:
“He’s got so much to offer English cricket. We don’t want to see that go. When we asked him, he was keen. He is going to have a lot of options. English cricket would be very lucky if he chooses to stay in the game. What he does with Lancashire will probably work out after the Lord’s Test. We’ve got some conversations to have after to find out what he thinks is the best thing to do. Everything so far has been him gearing up for this Test match.”
Currently playing for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship at Southport, Anderson’s future in first-class cricket remains uncertain. Key mentioned that Anderson’s role with Lancashire will be decided after the Lord’s Test.
Key also addressed uncapped batter Jamie Smith’s inclusion in the Test squad, saying:
“Sometimes you’re selecting people for what they’re going to be as well, and where you think they can progress to. It’s very much the start for Jamie Smith. We feel he’s going to be a fantastic international cricketer.”
Smith, who plays for Surrey, is also likely to keep wickets, with the selectors leaving out Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow. The other notable absentees from the 15-man squad are Mark Wood, Tom Hartley, and Jack Leach.
Robert Key on Jonny Bairstow
Key also addressed Bairstow’s non-selection. He pointed out that the wicketkeeper-batter was struggling for form across formats, saying:
“Generally his form, in all formats, has just been going slightly in the wrong direction. It’s an arduous task being a keeper and you want someone who can back up series after series. We weren’t convinced that Jonny would be able to do that, especially at the stage of his career that he’s at.”
Bairstow had underwhelming T20 and ODI World Cups, with England failing to defend both their white-ball crowns.