Former England cricketer David Lloyd has strongly criticized England’s team management, accusing them of coercing the legendary fast bowler James Anderson into retirement. Anderson decided to retire after the conclusion of the first Test match between England and West Indies at Lord’s.
The 41-year-old concluded his illustrious international career, spanning 22 years, amidst reports that England head coach Brendon McCullum engaged in discussions with Anderson about the team’s future plans leading up to the Ashes series in Australia next year.
Despite Anderson’s continued peak fitness and impressive performances even at his age, he felt compelled to retire. Prior to his final Test match at Lord’s, Anderson had maintained confidence in his abilities, asserting that he was still bowling at his best.
David Lloyd rips apart England team management for forcing James Anderson into retirement
In his recent column for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd strongly criticized England’s team management for pressuring the legendary James Anderson into retirement. Lloyd emphasized that Anderson was in top physical condition and delivering strong performances, urging the management to prioritize selecting the best players based on merit rather than considering their age.
“So, it’s farewell to one of the greatest,” Lloyd wrote in the Daily Mail. “The sad thing about Jimmy Anderson’s departure is that he’s bowling as well as ever. Accuracy, pace, stamina – he’s shown all those qualities and he’s still taking wickets. They say they are moving him on with next year’s Ashes in mind. I say, pick your best team. He was forced out because of his age,” Lloyd wrote in his column.
“In this era of inclusivity, it takes the biscuit that someone has been stopped for that reason. Reader, let me tell you: I know the feeling. Inclusivity, my arse,” he added.
David Lloyd asks ICC to share the revenue equally
Lloyd also spoke about the Test match between England and West Indies, which ended in just three days with West Indies not putting up much fight. He asked the ICC to take a significant step and distribute the game’s revenue equally rather than giving the Big Three (India, Australia, and England) huge proportions.
“My issue is with the International Cricket Council. Come on, share the game’s wealth. International cricket should be contested by equals, but the problem now is some are more equal than others. I’d ask the big three countries to consider how they’d feel if the shoe was on the other foot,” Lloyd added in his column.
The cricketer-turned-commentator also tasked upon West Indies cricket’s decline and urged the boards of India, Australia, and England to allow an equal distribution of funds.
“West Indies have given us some of the greatest players of all time, but the financial landscape has changed dramatically and they are indisputably one of the have nots. I implore India, England and Australia: do the decent thing and reconsider revenue distribution,” Lloyd added.
Coming to the match, England defeated a hapless West Indies by an innings and 114 runs. Gus Atkinson was the star for England as he picked up 12 wickets in the match. James Anderson retired with 4 wickets in his final match and finished with 704 wickets in his Test career.