Former fast bowler James Anderson will remain the bowling consultant for the England men’s team through their tours of Pakistan and New Zealand later this year. Anderson, who retired from international cricket earlier this year after the Lord’s Test against the West Indies, holds the distinction of being the only fast bowler with over 700 Test wickets.
Following his retirement, Anderson immediately joined the England setup as their bowling mentor. He has expressed that he is not looking too far ahead, as he is still learning the coaching ropes. He spoke about his extension before England’s third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval in London.
Anderson mentioned that he is currently set to accompany the team on their winter tours. He added that both he and the team management are figuring out if coaching is the right path for him and if he’s good at it.
After Anderson’s departure from international cricket, young fast bowlers like Josh Hull and Gus Atkinson have stepped up. Atkinson even made his debut during Anderson’s farewell Test and has already secured three five-wicket hauls, all at Lord’s.
Hull made his first appearance in the third Test match against Sri Lanka, becoming part of a pace bowling lineup that features Atkinson, Olly Stone, and the seasoned Chris Woakes.
On the field, England had a solid start to the third Test, finishing Day 1 at 221 for 3 wickets. Ollie Pope, who had been struggling for form, remained unbeaten on 103, scoring at a run-a-ball with 13 fours and two sixes.
