Anderson explains how close he came to quitting cricket after Caribbean snub

18 January 2023 , 09:19

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England legend James Anderson contemplated retiring last year (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

England legend James Anderson has opened up about his controversial axing from the Test team in the wake of a 4-0 Ashes thrashing, admitting the decision saw him come close to retiring.

Anderson was dropped for England's tour of the West Indies last year but, after the appointments of new captain and coach Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, he was recalled and has been a crucial part of their success.

Under Stokes and McCullum, England have won nine out of ten Tests and Anderson has picked up 35 wickets at an average of 17.85. And during his time out of the side Anderson leaned on BBC Radio One DJ Greg James, who co-hosts the Tailenders podcast alongside Anderson and former Maccabees guitarist Felix White, for support.

"There was definitely a moment when I thought that could be it," Anderson admitted at the relaunch of the podcast. "Is that it? Do they want to move on and get younger blood in?

"There was a bit of anger and disappointment. But I spoke to Greg quite a bit and I was just trying to make sense of it and not make any rash decisions."

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Even James' father Alan helped Anderson deal with the disappointment of the decision. "My dad actually gave Jimmy advice on text," James revealed.

Since getting recalled, Anderson has taken 35 wickets at an average of 17.85 (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

"He said, 'Take the sting out of it, it will all look different in the summer on a nice sunny day at Lord's'. Nobody would have guessed what was going to happen but it is amazing what a bit of time does, and not panicking."

And at the age of 40, Anderson is still keen to learn and improve his game, adding: "I'm not the complete bowler. I've not played the perfect game or bowled the perfect over.

"There are always things I think I can iron out. I want to be best at everything I do; if I'm rubbish at something I'll just give it up."

Matthew Cooper