James Anderson opens up on how he came close to retirement after getting rejected for WI tour

James Anderson was snubbed for the Caribbean tour in March 2022, which almost made him to reconsider his time on the field. Henceforth, in an interview he opened up about his inner conflicts and impact of management's decision on the future of his career.

Anderson is undoubtedly one of the greatest bowlers of all time and even statistics back his position. His ability to trouble the batters with the right line and length is highly revered throughout the cricketing fraternity. He can swing the ball in both directions and can also be lethal with his reverse swing when the ball gets a little old. 

There have always been rumours as to when the English bowling legend will call it a time on his international career. Following his exclusion from the squad for the upcoming Windies' tour, many felt that he might hang his boots and call it off. However, much to the disguise of followers of the game, he carried on and got the opportunity to represent the country once again. He was also able to repay the faith donned onto him by the management, as they reaped the rewards for the same.

The English pacer explained his feelings about that moment while talking on the BBC podcast. He said, “There was definitely a moment when I thought that could be it. Is that it? Do they want to move on and get younger blood in? There was a bit of anger and disappointment. But I spoke to Greg quite a bit and I was just trying to make sense of it and not make any rash decisions."

The Lancashire legend then spoke about how he still believes in constant improvement even after playing the game for nearly two decades. He iterated, “I am not the complete bowler. I've not played the perfect game or bowled the perfect over. There are always things I think I can iron out. I want to be the best at everything I do; if I'm rubbish at something I'll just give it up."

The Englishman has flourished under the new leadership duo of Brendon Mccullum and Ben Stokes. He took 35 wickets at an average of 17.85 and has bowled tough spells in dynamic conditions. He even took a fifer in Pakistan, a feat which he hadn’t achieved before. The pacer looks all set for a brilliant home season which includes the coveted Ashes series, and he will be looking forward to make it count. 

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