"Had a suspicion" - James Anderson recalls 'three big dogs' inviting him to a hotel to talk about his future
Senior England seamer James Anderson recalled the time when captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Robert Key met him a couple of months ago to talk about his red-ball future. The 41-year-old revealed that he wasn't surprised by what they had to say.
With England having one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes series Down Under, the trio requested Anderson to step away from the international arena. Hence, the opening Test of England's summer against the West Indies at Lord's will be his final appearance for the country.
Speaking at a presser, the Lancashire seamer remembered how he hadn't got emotional about it, given he understood England think tank's standpoint. As quoted by BBC Sport, he claimed:
"I wouldn't say it was a surprise, because when the three big dogs invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat I didn't think it was just a normal appraisal. I had a suspicion that that was going to be the case. I think they were surprised at how calm I was and I was probably surprised at my reaction. I wasn't overly emotional or angry about it. I saw their point of view and appreciated them taking the time to lay it out for me."
The veteran has arguably been one of England's greatest ever sportsperson. Having debuted in 2003, the right-arm seamer is one of the only three bowlers to take 700 Test scalps.
"The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well" - James Anderson
The 187-Test veteran admitted that there will be ebbs and flows of emotions throughout the game, but wants to concentrate on helping England win the match. He said:
"I'm trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or how I'd feel about it. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. I'm sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that's what I'm trying to focus on to stop myself crying."
The right-arm seamer will have one eye on taking nine wickets, which will propel him past Shane Warne (708) to make him the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.