The legendary England fast bowler James Anderson has openly discussed his retirement intentions. At 41 years old, Anderson, a cricketing icon, aims to conclude his career on a high note, although he hasn’t specified a timeline. Remarkably, the Lancashire pacer boasts an impressive record of 695 wickets in 185 Tests, trailing only behind Shane Warne (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800) in international red-ball cricket wicket-takers.
Currently competing against India, Anderson has emphasized his desire to make his retirement decision without delay. Drawing inspiration from former cricketer Eoin Morgan, who announced his retirement swiftly, Anderson envisions a moment of instinct where he’ll recognize it’s time to gracefully exit the sport he has adorned for many years.
Speaking to the Telegraph and as cited by talkSPORT, the veteran England bowler expressed his reluctance to prolong his retirement, expressing a hope that one day he wakes up with the clarity that it’s time to bid farewell. Anderson stands on the brink of a historic milestone, nearing the mark of 700 Test wickets, which would distinguish him as the sole pacer to achieve this feat.
“I would like to be able to go out on a nice note. I don’t want to drag it out and people are thinking: ‘Can you just do one.’ Morgs [Morgan] last year woke up and just knew it was time to call it a day. I am just hoping that is the case,” said Anderson.
It will be nice to go out on my own terms: Anderson
The legendary bowler also expressed his gratitude for his current standing in the game, remarking that departing on his own terms would be ideal. Notably, he ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker across all formats and is approaching the prestigious 1000-wicket milestone, a feat achieved only by Warne (1001) and Muralitharan (1347).
“I feel privileged to have got in a position where I can make a decision because, as a bowler, it is usually taken out of your hands with injury or selection. It will be nice to go out on my own terms, but when that will be, you just have to wait and see,” Anderson added.
