James Anderson to be part of England Test Team despite retirement, confirms Rob Key
Updated - 01 Jul 2024, 05:31 PM
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Rob Key, managing director of England’s men’s cricket, made a significant announcement regarding James Anderson's future ahead of the English summer. Rob Key said that James Anderson will be with the England team after his retirement from international cricket following the first Test against the West Indies.
James Anderson is set to play his 188th and final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's, starting on July 10. Anderson is the most successful pace bowler in Test history, with 700 wickets. He is retiring from Test cricket following England's decision to groom younger players before the next Ashes series.
Following his retirement from Test cricket, Anderson will continue with the England squad for the second and third Tests against the West Indies at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston. The 41-year-old will also be part of the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, as England doesn't have a permanent bowling coach.
Rob Key said that James Anderson will add value to English cricket post-retirement as he will serve as a mentorr. The England men’s cricket managing director expressed hope that Anderson will continue to be involved in various capacities.
"After the Lord's test, Jimmy will continue in our setup and he'll help a bit more of a mentor and then we'll have a look at that at the end of the summer really. We're trying to set up an elite coach development program to which people like Jimmy will be able to do and wants to do and then we'll have a look at that when it gets towards the end of the summer really. It might be something that he thinks I don't enjoy at all, it might be something that he absolutely loves."
“He’s got so much to offer English cricket. We don’t want to see that go. When we asked him, he was keen. He is going to have a lot of options. English cricket would be very lucky if he chooses to stay in the game,” Key said.
Will Probably Work Out After The Lord's Test - Rob Key
Anderson, currently playing for Lancashire in the County Championship, remains undecided about his future with the team. Rob Key confirmed that James will be part of the England team throughout the summer. Key said that discussions about Anderson's future with Lancashire will follow after the Lord’s Test.
“What he does with Lancashire will probably work out after the Lord’s Test. We've got some conversations to have after to find out what he thinks is the best thing to do. Everything so far has been him gearing up for this Test match,” Key added.
England has announced a new-look squad for the first two Tests against the West Indies. Nottinghamshire's Dylan Pennington and Surrey's Gus Atkinson have been included in the team. Ollie Robinson has been left out, and Mark Wood will miss the start of the series following the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Going To Be A Fantastic International Cricketer - Rob Key
England has selected uncapped Jamie Smith as wicketkeeper over Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Rob Key praised Smith as a "rare talent," adding he has great potential for international cricket. Smith has a batting average over 40 and a season average over 50 in the County Championship.
“Sometimes you're selecting people for what they're going to be as well, and where you think they can progress to. It's very much the start for Jamie Smith. We feel he's going to be a fantastic international cricketer,” said former England batter Key.
