(AFP Photo)
Ben Stokes expressed his desire for James Anderson to continue his involvement with the England team beyond retirement. Anderson, the legendary pacer, ended his illustrious Test career with a commanding win over the West Indies at Lord’s on July 12, marking an emotional farewell after over two decades in the whites for England.
When asked if he supports Anderson becoming the team’s fast-bowling coach by the Ashes next year, Stokes responded positively, stating, “Yeah, definitely. That’s why we’re asking him to stay around,” according to the Daily Mail.
Stokes believes Anderson will be the right person to guide the emerging pacers. “If he’s got the desire to help bowlers progress as he did with his own career, honestly, I can’t think of a better person to be able to influence all the fast bowlers. I’m really excited to see how that goes,” Stokes added.
If that actually happens, James Anderson doesn’t want to teach the young pacers “how to bowl.” “I’ll be a sounding board; I’ll be there if they need me. I’ll watch every ball they bowl and try to help them as much as I can,” the 41-year-old revealed, replying to Ben Stokes.
Neil Killeen, a former Durham seamer, currently serves as England’s fast-bowling coach, although his role within the Test squad has been somewhat limited. Appointing James Anderson to this role would bring about a substantial reconfiguration of England’s setup in Test cricket.
Anderson said, “It’s been an amazing 20 years. Overwhelming to see the crowd’s reaction. It has been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt, I try to win games for England.”
The legendary pacer, who retired as the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 704 scalps, played 188 Test matches for England and also took part in 194 ODIs, securing 269 wickets.
Anderson will be absent from the remaining matches of the West Indies series, which England currently leads in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to commence on July 18 at Trent Bridge.
