England veteran bowler James Anderson said he made peace with being left out of the team for the tour of West Indies just weeks. The 39-year-old, gearing up for the county season for Lancashire, admitted that selection remains out of his control but declared he would continue to keep himself fit.
The ECB, with Andrew Strauss as the temporary managing director, dropped Anderson and Stuart Broad for the West Indies tour. England’s two most productive wicket-takers in Tests share over 1000 between them and have led their bowling attack for the last years.
Sir Andrew Strauss has revealed why James Anderson and Stuart Broad aren't in England's Test squad for the tour of West Indies.
Read 👇#bbcricket #WIvENG
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) February 8, 2022
Speaking to BBC Radio five, Anderson mentioned that he has moved on from the decision long ago and is expected to the nearing county championship. He said:
“I made peace with the decision weeks ago. All I can do is get ready for the county season and show people what I can do. I feel in a good place physically and mentally, and I am looking forward to playing for Lancashire.”
While announcing the team for the Caribbean visit, Strauss highlighted that England is preparing for the future. However, the former national team captain advised the veteran pair to prepare for the home season.
“I’m not sure what the coaching conditions will be” – James Anderson.
A masterclass from James Anderson.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/4juTHZrOCP
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 27, 2021
The veteran of 169 Tests acknowledged that factors like the next coach are out of his hands and can only educate for his future. He added:
“I’m not sure what the coaching situation will be. It seems that those sorts of decisions and my England career are out of my hands. I have to control what I can, that is play cricket and try to work hard at my skills and in the gym and get my body ready and see what happens.”
Amid a humiliating Ashes loss in Australia, the Lancashire seamer played excellently well. The 39-year-old snared 8-wickets in 3-Tests at 23.38 and could have a massive role to perform in the home summer.
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