Veteran seamer James Anderson determined to prove doubters wrong after underwhelming Ashes
James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, is determined to prove doubters wrong after an underwhelming Ashes series. The 41-year-old took just five wickets in four matches at an average of over 85, sparking speculation about his future.
However, Anderson has dismissed any suggestion of retirement, saying he has “no interest in going anywhere” and that Broad’s decision to retire has made him “more firm” about prolonging his career.
Anderson’s pace and control were not down during the Ashes, but he struggled to generate the movement that has been his trademark for so long. He described the pitches as “kryptonite” and admitted he was “done in the Ashes” if presented with similar surfaces.
But Anderson has not given up. He has been working tirelessly since the Ashes, making changes to his run-up in an attempt to rediscover his old magic.
“My run-up is the main thing, trying to make sure it is better,” he told the Telegraph. “One thing that was not right was my run-up speed.
“I can’t rely on that fast twitch snap at the crease that I’ve had over the years so I’ve been working on my momentum in my run-up to get speed that way. That feels like it is working really well, the ball is coming out really well and I just need to transfer that outdoors now.
“Something that has worked well for me is mixing up training, making sure it is not doing the same thing over and over.”
India has been a happy hunting ground for Anderson, despite England’s mixed record in the country. He has an average of 29.32 from 13 Tests there, and played a key role in England’s 2012 series win.
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Those who fear age has caught up with Anderson will point to his recent struggles in Ashes and say that his best days are behind him. But those who believe he still has something to offer will point to his impressive record since turning 35, which includes 210 wickets in 58 Tests at an average of 22.36.
Anderson himself is confident that he can still make a significant contribution to the England team.
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer this team,” he said. “I would not still be doing what I’m doing if I didn’t feel like that. I still feel like I have got the skills to win England games of cricket so I don’t see why I should finish just because of my age.”
The India tour will be a tough test for Anderson, but he is determined to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell if he can silence his doubters, but one thing is for sure: James Anderson is not ready to give up just yet.
