‘I've stopped trying to make sense of it’ – James Anderson on his omission from England Test team

Veteran England pacer James Anderson is still finding it hard to understand his omission from England squad for the West Indies Test series last month. As the Three Lions suffered a humiliating 0-4 debacle in Ashes earlier this year, the selectors made some calls which included the ouster of the experienced pace duo of Anderson and Stuart Broad.

The duo are two of the most successful pacers in the history of Test cricket for England and their numbers are nothing but jaw-dropping. However, with age not being on their side, the selectors decided to give the youngsters a go. Meanwhile, the decision was made by a selection panel headed by interim director of cricket Andrew Strauss. Anderson and Broad have spoken of their disappointment multiple times as Strauss informed them about their omission over a five-minute phone call.

I’ve got to focus on what I can control: James Anderson

Anderson, 39, however, is determined to make a comeback to the national team via some impressive performances in domestic matches. He’ll serve Lancashire in the First-Class County Championship after England went down 1-0 in the Caribbean.

“I’ve stopped trying to make sense of it and just put it to one side,” Anderson said Monday of his England axe. “It was completely out of my control. I’ve got to focus on what I can control and that is bowling as well as I possibly can (for Lancashire). Something like this, for me, it’s quite a big deal because it came out of the blue a little bit. I still feel like I’m bowling well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anderson is still the ninth-ranked Test bowler, and his tally of 640 wickets is the highest by any pacer in the history of Test cricket. Acknowledging the same, the veteran reckons he still has a lot to offer. “I was in the top 10 of the world rankings so I feel like I’m doing a good job for the team,” stated Anderson.

“After an Ashes defeat everything comes under scrutiny. There are lots going on, people losing their jobs and stuff. I would have loved a sit-down, face-to-face, but obviously, that’s not always possible in these situations. I would have loved more than a five-minute phone call, but again that’s not always possible,” he added.