"I would like to give it a go": James Anderson desperate to extend playing career

England National Cricket Team pace-bowling legend James Anderson has made it clear once again that he is eager to extend his playing career despite his retirement from international cricket. However, he is unsure of the path he needs to take to extend his cricket career.

James Anderson had confirmed his retirement from international cricket in May 2024 and played his last Test match in July against West Indies at Lord's. He finished his career as the leading wicket-taker in Test history among the fast bowlers.

James Anderson Working As A Consultant With England

Anderson was going strong despite being in his early 40s, but Ben Stokes, Rob Key, and Brendon McCullum informed the veteran pacer that they were looking at the future. Hence, the right-arm quick had to retire from international cricket.

Just after his retirement, the England and Wales Cricket Board roped him in as the bowling consultant and since then, he has been working with the coaching staff, helping the young pacers of the team.

Recently, James Anderson also spoke about the idea of playing franchise cricket. He last featured in T20s in the 2014 NatWest Blast final for Lancashire but is still eager to make his return in a playing capacity.

"I have got a couple of months to make a call on what I do next year but in my head I would like to," said Anderson, as quoted by BBC.

"I still feel fit, I still have the urge to get a ball in my hand, so I would like to give it a go. If anyone will take me is a different question altogether."

Also Read: James Anderson reveals how Pakistan 're-using Multan pitch' will help Ben Stokes dominate

I do miss it and I do feel like I enjoy coming to the nets and getting the ball in my hand - James Anderson

The 42-year-old was asked whether he has an "itch to scratch" as a player, to which he responded that he does have it and he misses playing cricket.

"There definitely is for me. Whether someone else would like to scratch that itch for me is another question. I do miss it and I do feel like I enjoy coming to the nets and getting the ball in my hand."

Anderson is currently in Pakistan for the three-match Test series. He was not with the squad as they prepared for the first Test as he preferred playing golf in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship over his cricket commitments. However, he joined the team on the second day of the first Test.

James Anderson missing the first Test preparation led to a lot of debates and head coach Brendon McCullum had to come forward to defend his late arrival.

I didn’t accept that invitation before speaking to Baz about it - James Anderson

Anderson spoke about this matter and said that he accepted the golf invitation after having a chat with Brendon McCullum and was in touch with the bowlers. He said:

"I didn’t accept that invitation before speaking to Baz about it. I’m not full-time with England, I’m a consultant. He didn’t see an issue with it.

"I was still in contact with the bowlers and in the end it didn’t really matter that I wasn’t here. I thought we bowled really well. I’m lucky that Baz is such an understanding fella.

"The last few tours I went on we didn’t have a bowling coach. It is good for the lads to take some responsibility. In the end it didn’t matter did it?"

Also Read: Kevin Pietersen's suggestion accepted as Pakistan set to play 2nd Test on same Multan pitch