"In this era of inclusivity..." - David Lloyd rips apart Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes for forcing James Anderson to retire

Former England cricketer David Lloyd has ripped apart England's team management for forcing the legendary fast bowler James Anderson to retire. Anderson retired after the first Test match between England and West Indies played recently at Lord's.

The 41-year-old had an illustrious international career which spanned 22 years. England head coach Brendon McCullum reportedly held talks with Anderson and revealed the team's plans to build towards next year's Ashes series in Australia. 

Despite maintaining his peak level of fitness and performance even at the age of 41, the fast bowler was forced to retire. Even before his last Test match at Lord's, Anderson maintained that he was bowling as well as ever.

Also read: Mark Wood returns to England squad for second Test vs West Indies as James Anderson retires

David Lloyd rips apart England team management for forcing James Anderson into retirement

While writing in his column for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd lashed out at England's team management to force the legendary James Anderson to retire. Lloyd added that Anderson was fit and performing well, and asked the management to pick the best team rather than looking at the age of the players.

"So, it’s farewell to one of the greatest," Lloyd wrote in the Daily Mail. "The sad thing about Jimmy Anderson’s departure is that he’s bowling as well as ever. Accuracy, pace, stamina - he’s shown all those qualities and he’s still taking wickets. They say they are moving him on with next year’s Ashes in mind. I say, pick your best team. He was forced out because of his age," Lloyd wrote in his column.

"In this era of inclusivity, it takes the biscuit that someone has been stopped for that reason. Reader, let me tell you: I know the feeling. Inclusivity, my arse," he added.

David Lloyd asks ICC to share the revenue equally

Lloyd also spoke about the Test match between England and West Indies, which ended in just three days with West Indies not putting up much fight. He asked the ICC to take a significant step and distribute the game's revenue equally rather than giving the Big Three (India, Australia, and England) huge proportions.

"My issue is with the International Cricket Council. Come on, share the game’s wealth. International cricket should be contested by equals, but the problem now is some are more equal than others. I’d ask the big three countries to consider how they’d feel if the shoe was on the other foot," Lloyd added in his column.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also tasked upon West Indies cricket's decline and urged the boards of India, Australia, and England to allow an equal distribution of funds.

"West Indies have given us some of the greatest players of all time, but the financial landscape has changed dramatically and they are indisputably one of the have nots. I implore India, England and Australia: do the decent thing and reconsider revenue distribution," Lloyd added.

Coming to the match, England defeated a hapless West Indies by an innings and 114 runs. Gus Atkinson was the star for England as he picked up 12 wickets in the match. James Anderson retired with 4 wickets in his final match and finished with 704 wickets in his Test career.