James Anderson
James Anderson. (Credit: Getty Images)

Contrary to the popular speculation, England pace spearhead James Anderson has ruled out any possibility of retiring any time soon. In fact, the right-arm pacer is not even thinking of hanging up his boots and has insisted he would like to play till he’s 40. England’s all-time leading wicket-taker is taking inspiration from Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs in his quest to play at the highest level till 40.

Anderson, who has been bogged down by injuries in recent times, recently suffered another setback when a calf injury ended his Ashes campaign. He suffered the injury while bowling on the very first day of the series and was later ruled out. He did turn up for Lancashire recently but was not fully match fit.

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The 37-year old now has his eyes set on England’s next Test assignment which is the tour of New Zealand. For the time being, he is focusing on staying fit for that tour.

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“I’m going to look into how [Manchester United legend] Ryan Giggs was able to play football at the highest level until he was 40. That’s what I’d like to do,” James Anderson wrote in The Sun.

“I am meeting the physios and medical people this week to map out a progamme to try to make sure I’m fit for the tour to New Zealand. The Test squad leaves on November 6.

“I’m 37 now, and it definitely feels possible to play until I’m 40, if the hunger is still there. And it certainly is at the moment,” he added.

James Anderson
James Anderson (Credits: Twitter)

He further expressed his disappointment over missing out on the Ashes. At the same time, he also maintained that he is bowling well despite the injury worries.

“I bowled loads for Lancashire with terrific rhythm and even played some one-day cricket for the county. My first-class bowling average was below ten.

I have plenty in the tank especially after this last couple of months of rehab. I feel stronger than I have for many years because of all the training and fitness work. Obviously, I need to get this calf sorted out. That’s my next priority,” James Anderson said.

The veteran pacer also backed Joe Root to continue as captain despite many former greats calling for his removal. Root has been under pressure to deliver as captain. In the ongoing year, England have already lost to West Indies and most recently failed to retain the Ashes.

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“There are some mutterings about Joe’s future as captain. But I think he is doing a very good job.

“We’ve had a couple of tough years, especially since Cooky [Alastair Cook] retired and we’ve been trying to find a couple of opening batsman,” said James Anderson.

England will next face New Zealand away in a two-Test series where most of the front line players are expected to play, especially after the Ashes debacle.

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