England vs India 2018: James Anderson is Not Thinking of Retirement Now

James Anderson, who recently got past Glenn McGrath‘s tally of 563 wickets in Tests at the Oval against India says he has no plans to hang his boots from international cricket. However, Anderson’s best-friend, Alastair Cook announced his international retirement.

I am not retiring now, James Anderson

James finished the five-match Test series as the most successful bowler with 24 scalps to his name. Ishant Sharma was second on the list with 18 wickets in the series while Anderson’s partner, Stuart Broad finished third with 16 wickets in his kitty.

However, Anderson is the most capped Test player for England (143 Tests) after Alastair Cook who had played 161 matches. Also, James Anderson is the 4^th successful bowler in world cricket and is just behind Anil Kumble, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan in wickets tally. The England skipper, Joe Root feels Anderson can pose a challenge to Warne and Murali.

It looked like Anderson had to wait for the Sri Lanka tour at the end of the year to go past McGrath, as India were already nine down at one point. However, when Jimmy bagged the wicket of Mohammed Shami, he went to embrace the retiring Alastair Cook.

I want to play more – James

“It’s hard to explain because, and I don’t want to play it down to much, but it doesn’t mean a great deal to me,” a tired Anderson said after the conclusion of the match.

“Today was about winning a Test, about giving Cooky the send-off he deserved. That’s what the focus was on for me. I guess my mum and dad will be happy because they don’t have to come to Sri Lanka.”

“I have said this throughout my career that when I finish, it will mean a hell of a lot to me to be able to see what I have achieved. Right now it’s hard when you just put all your energy into the present and try to perform well for England, that’s all I really focus on.”

It must be noted Cook’s retirement will leave a big hole in the batting department. However, it will be the same when Anderson decides to quit Test cricket. However, Anderson stated he doesn’t really think of retirement as of now.

“I don’t really think about it (retirement). I play my best when I focus on what’s ahead of me, the next game, next series, whatever. I go away now; we have a decent break before Sri Lanka. Will try to get myself in the best condition possible to cope with the rigours of bowling seam in Sri Lanka, which could be tough. Then we’ll see how it goes.”