James Anderson reveals the actual reason as to why he decided to retire from professional cricket

Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson recently opened up about his decision to retire from international cricket during the upcoming England summer. James Anderson described the decision as "feels like the right thing for me" in preparations for the 2025/26 Ashes tour in Australia.

On Saturday, May 11, James Anderson confirmed his international retirement, with the upcoming Test against the West Indies at Lord's on July 10 being his final appearance. The 41-year-old made his debut for England in an ODI match in 2002. The pacer debuted in Test cricket at Lord's in 2003.

Earlier this year, the Lancashire seamer became the third bowler to achieve 700 wickets in cricket. Anderson is just nine wickets away from overtaking legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne's record. Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan leads the bowling charts with 800 wickets to his name.

Feels Like A Stretch At This Point - James Anderson

Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, James Anderson stated that he would not make it to the Ashes, which is 18 months away. Anderson stated that it's a stretch in his career at this point, adding that it might be the right time to retire from Test cricket.

"Could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months time? And (we) sort of came to the decision probably not," Anderson said on the Tailenders podcast. 

"From my point of view, it feels like a stretch at this point in my career. And from their point of view, there are 15 or so Tests before the Ashes so it gives them time to get other guys Tests and experience before that Ashes series," he added.

Anderson last played for England in a five-match Test series against India, where he picked up 10 wickets across four matches at an average of 33.50. The veteran bowler has represented England in 187 Test matches, alongside 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is, taking 700, 269, and 18 wickets, respectively.

Feels Like The Right Thing For Me - James Anderson

Reports from the Guardian suggested that England head coach Brendon McCullum discussed James Anderson's Test future with him. Anderson confirmed this news on Instagram, making his retirement from Test cricket official.

Anderson is set to play for Lancashire in the County Championship before his final Test match at Lord's. Lancashire will play Durham at Blackpool on May 17, Warwickshire at Old Trafford on May 24, Kent at Canterbury on June 23, and Nottinghamshire at Southport on June 30.