Cricket

Rob Key reveals James Anderson’s new role for England post-retirement

July 2, 2024

England‘s legendary fast bowler, James Anderson, is set to play his final Test match in the opener of the three-match series against the West Indies at Lord’s, starting on July 10. Anderson will retire after this first Test.

James Anderson’s remarkable career

At 41, Anderson has decided to retire after an illustrious career that saw him become the first seamer and the third bowler in history to surpass 700 Test wickets, trailing only behind spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Anderson’s decision to retire comes as England look forward to the 2025/26 Ashes, signaling a shift towards building a new team for the future. His career has been marked by extraordinary achievements and records, establishing him as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.

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Anderson’s retirement and new role

Rob Key, the managing director of England Cricket, revealed that Anderson will bring his vast experience to the England coaching team and will transition into a mentorship role with the national team upon retiring from Test cricket. Speaking to Sky Sports, Key highlighted Anderson’s invaluable contribution and opened about the new role.

“Jimmy will continue in our set-up, and he’ll help as a bit more of a mentor. We’re trying to set up an elite coach development programme, which Jimmy wants to do, but we’ll have a look at the end of the summer,” Key said.

“It might be something that he doesn’t enjoy, or it might be something that he absolutely loves. But he’s got so much to offer English cricket, so we don’t want to see that go. But it is going to be quite an occasion with him bowing out at Lord’s,” the 45-year-old added.

Anderson will therefore step into a newly-created role as England’s fast-bowling mentor for the last two Tests against the West Indies and a three-match series versus Sri Lanka that follows.

Anderson’s future with Lancashire

Currently, Anderson is playing for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship at Southport. His future with Lancashire remains uncertain, but Key confirmed that Anderson will be involved with the England team throughout the summer. Discussions about his role with Lancashire will take place after the Lord’s Test.

“What he does with Lancashire will probably work out after the Lord’s Test. We’ve got some conversations to have after to find out what he thinks is the best thing to do. Everything so far has been him gearing up for this Test match,” Key concluded.