James Anderson not enjoying his bowling mentor role? England great makes a big revelation after retirement

Former England pace bowler James Anderson has opened up about his transition from a player to bowling mentor for the national cricket team. James Anderson stated that he is enjoying the role of bowling mentor, adding that he has known most of the bowlers in the current England Test team for many years.

James Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket following the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. Anderson joined the England team as a bowling mentor for the remaining two matches of the series. Notably, he is expected to be part of England's upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

The Ben Stokes-led team registered an innings and 114 runs victory against the West Indies in the first Test of the three-match series at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Anderson picked up three wickets across two innings in the match. He did not face a single delivery in the only innings he came to bat.

It Has Been An Interesting Few Days - James Anderson

Speaking to Sky Sports during the innings break, James Anderson expressed enjoyment in his new position and relief at not having to bowl in challenging conditions. Anderson also noted that his familiarity with most of the current bowlers has made the transition smoother.

"It has been an interesting few days, I have had to deal with the emotions of Lord's and then come straight here and into a new job. I have loved it," Anderson told Sky Sports during the Nottingham Test against the West Indies.

"I have known most of the bowlers for many years, nice to just relax and not try to bowl the tail out on a flat one. I've really enjoyed it so far!" he added.

"I've really enjoyed it so far!" 🤩

Jimmy Anderson on his new role as an England bowling mentor following retirement 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/BYRV3PU2t9

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 20, 2024

"My journey as a cricketer was basically a lot of fortune. I only got into cricket because my dad played for the local club at Burnley. We didn't play at school at all. So we look at the England dressing room, and there's a lot of guys who've gone through the private school system. I'd love to create more opportunities for kids in state schools, not necessarily to go on and be professionals, but just to have the chance to play the game," Anderson further stated.

The 41-year-old pacer retired with 704 Test wickets in 188 matches at an average of 26.45. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708). He took 10 or more wickets in a match three times and achieved five or more wickets in an innings on 32 occasions.

Anderson debuted in Test cricket in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord's, where he took 5-73 in the first innings. In April 2015, he broke Sir Ian Botham's record for Test wickets (384). The veteran pacer also excelled for England across formats. He took 269 wickets in ODI cricket and 18 wickets in the T20I format.

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