Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon expressed his surprise upon learning that England has decided to plan for the future by giving legendary pacer James Anderson his final Test match. Anderson will retire after the first Test of the series against the West Indies at Lord’s in July.
Reports from April indicated that England head coach Brendon McCullum, captain Ben Stokes, and Director of Cricket Robert Key approached Anderson to discuss transitioning away from the cricketing legend. This move is part of England’s preparation for the Ashes 2025/26.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Nathan Lyon shared his bewilderment at this decision. He said:
“My care factor for England is pretty low, but I was pretty surprised when I did read that they tapped him on the shoulder. I look at James and what he’s been able to do for England cricket, it’s pretty remarkable. This is just my opinion – I still think he would be England’s best bowler.”
Anderson, who would be 43 years old by the time England tours Australia for the Ashes, seems to be at the end of his international career as Stokes and the England management focus on introducing fresh faces and providing them with game time.
Looking Forward to Playing with James Anderson at Lancashire: Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon, who plays county cricket for Lancashire, expressed his excitement about sharing the dressing room with James Anderson. However, he admitted that as an opponent, he’s relieved Anderson won’t be part of the England squad for the next Ashes. Lyon stated:
“Obviously, Jimmy Anderson is in the conversation of being the greatest fast bowler of all time. Good luck to Jimmy and I look forward to playing with him at Lancashire, but I’m glad he won’t be coming out to the next Ashes.”
In 187 Test matches, James Anderson has amassed an astonishing 700 Test wickets at an average of 26.52, with 32 five-wicket hauls to his name. He needs nine wickets in his final Test to surpass the late Shane Warne as the second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format of international cricket.
The cricket world will watch with keen interest as Anderson bids farewell, pondering whether England’s decision to move forward without their legendary bowler is a strategic masterstroke or a premature move.
