Nice To Hear There's A Chance - James Anderson Keen To Return To England Side Under Ben Stokes' Captaincy

England’s legendary pacer James Anderson was a relieved man upon realizing that his career isn’t over yet and there is a chance for him to return to the Test side under the new captain, Ben Stokes.

Stokes was named as the captain earlier this week and he will be replacing Joe Root at the helm. The decision was made after England lost 0-1 in the 3-match Test series against the West Indies for which, both Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped.

Speculations were rife that the experienced duo, who share over a thousand wickets between them in Tests, may not get another chance to wear the whites for the Three Lions. However, Stokes’ appointment has opened the doors for a return to the Test team.

“Stuart and I were hoping our careers weren’t over. So it’s nice to hear there’s a chance. It still means we’ve got to put in some performances here with our counties to prove that we’re playing well enough to get in that final 11.”

“Because of the situation and not having people in these roles, you’re just so unsure of what’s going to happen. So now having that clarity is really nice,” Anderson was quoted as saying in a conversation with BBC.

Ben Stokes is eager to have James Anderson and Broad back in the side

England’s new managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, revealed that the first thing Stokes said after being named the skipper was that Anderson and Broad need to be back in the side.

“One of the first things Ben Stokes said was ‘Jimmy and Broady are coming back’ and I agree. It might’ve been a different story had we not agreed. But it wasn’t up for debate,” Key told BBC sports.

Anderson has taken 640 wickets in his Test career, the third-highest among all players and the most for a pacer. As for Broad, the 36-year-old has 537 wickets in his kitty.

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