AUS vs ENG: James Anderson To Retire From Tests? England Star Delivers Update On His Career Ahead Of Final Ashes Test

Things have not really gone well for James Anderson in the ongoing five-match Ashes series between England and Australia. While a lot was expected from the veteran pacer, the England star has had a disappointing campaign in the series so far.

He has picked up just four wickets in three Tests so far. In the first Test at Edgbaston, James Anderson picked up 1 wicket in the first innings before picking two wickets in the second Test at Lord’s. He was rested for the third Test before being included in the playing eleven for the fourth Test in Manchester.

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In bowling-friendly conditions, James Anderson could not pick any wicket on day one of the game before taking one wicket on day two. He also failed to pick up any wicket in the second innings as the game ended in a draw. Following his consistent poor displays with the ball in the series, many believe that James Anderson’s time in international cricket might be up.

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James Anderson addresses retirement rumors:

While many believe that James Anderson might hang up his boots after struggling in the ongoing Ashes, the veteran bowler believes otherwise. The England star, who has the highest number of Test wickets among pacers, has made it clear that he has had “no thoughts about retirement”. He insisted that he is still working hard and is looking to contribute to the team.

“I still feel like I’m bowling well. I have certainly not had the returns I would have liked in this series. Everyone goes through a lean patch but you just don’t want it to be in the most high-profile series we play,” the 41-year-old wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“Ten or 15 years ago the debate would be about whether I should be dropped. Now it is about my future. I understand that. It is The Oval, the end of a series and a time for speculation.

“I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best for the team. That is exactly where I am at the minute,” he added.

Writing further, James Anderson expressed his passion for Test cricket, saying that he still loves the format “as much as I ever have”. He also stated that the last 14 months have been his favorite period as an England player.

“There are no thoughts about retirement,” he wrote.

“If I was bowling horrendously, with my pace down and hobbling around in the field I might be thinking differently. But the hunger is still there. I feel like I’m bowling well, that I can still offer something to the team. I felt like I bowled well at Old Trafford and if I get another chance this week, I will just keep trying the same stuff and hope my luck changes.

“It is just one of those things. There are always one or two players who have a lean series. It can be a batter who gets good balls and then a bit of bad luck. It felt like that was my week in Manchester. I felt like I beat the bat plenty of times, but just didn’t take the wickets that you want as a bowler to help the team win.

“There were a couple of times when I bowled a tight five-over spell then Woody [Mark Wood] came on and took a wicket straightaway. It feels like maybe I created the pressure, then Woody came on and let loose. It’s teamwork,” he added.

Meanwhile, James Anderson has managed to hold on to his place in the England team for the fifth and final Test. The last game of the series will begin on Thursday (July 27) at the Oval.

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