'James Anderson is going to bowl in...' - Zak Crawley's major statement on retired pacer ahead of 2nd Test vs West Indies

Zak Crawley revealed that James Anderson will remain actively involved with the England Cricket Team throughout the ongoing English summer despite retiring from international cricket on July 12 after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.

Anderson, one of the all-time greatest fast bowlers in the world, will not only mentor young pacers but also assist the England batters in preparing for upcoming red-ball matches.

James Anderson set to mentor England's next generation after retirement

Crawley revealed that Anderson's role with the Test team will include bowling to the batters during practice sessions, helping them refine their skills and be ready for the test assignments ahead.

With his new role, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker is expected to bring valuable insights and preparation to the side, and Crawley said that every player is happy to be able to continue facing the former pacer at the nets for at least a few months ahead of the second Test against the West Indies.

Zak Crawley was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “He said he's going to bowl in the nets. I just hope he's going to bowl cross-seam. I've faced enough seam up balls from him. He'll put the ball wherever he wants I suppose. A few fluffers and half-volleys from now on I think, Jimmy.”

Meanwhile, Anderson's retirement marks a significant shift for England's seam bowling attack, as it is the first time in nearly two decades they will be without both Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, the impressive debut of Gus Atkinson at Lord's has injected confidence into England selectors and team management, as they are gearing up for the transition phase.

It's really good to see some young talent coming in: Zak Crawley

While Chris Woakes remains the senior seamer in the Test squad, there is a wave of young bowlers eager to make their mark, including Matt Potts and Dillon Pennington, in the traditional format of the game. Pennington, known for his ability to generate pace and seam movement from his tall stature, has particularly impressed the England selectors.

Well, Crawley acknowledged the challenge of this transition but expressed optimism in the talent of the emerging seamers. The opening batter believes they have the potential to shine like Atkinsonin and contribute significantly to England's bowling arsenal.

Crawley further noted, “It's certainly a changing of the guard but it's really good to see some young talent coming in. Gus, Dillon, other guys like Matthew Potts. These guys are really talented bowlers and I find them hard to face. They're all going to go well and get the chance like Gus did.

We're a very tight-knit group and we're all encouraged to add to the environment, help the environment. Even Dillon coming in for his first game, you're encouraged to help everyone around you.”

Notably, England will play the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on July 18. They have made only one change to their playing XI with Mark Wood coming in for Anderson.