England National Cricket Team bowling legend James Anderson has once again made it clear that he is eager to extend his playing career despite his retirement from international cricket. However, he is unsure of the path he should take to extend his cricket career.

James Anderson had confirmed his retirement from international cricket in May 2024 and played his final Test match in July against the West Indies at Lord’s. He finished his career as the leading wicket-taker in Test history among fast bowlers.

James Anderson working as a consultant in England

Anderson was going strong despite being in his early 40s, but Ben Stokes, Rob Key and Brendon McCullum informed the veteran pacer that they were looking to the future. Therefore, the right-arm quick had to retire from international cricket.

Just after his retirement, the England and Wales Cricket Board hired him as a bowling consultant and since then he has been working with the coaching staff, helping the team’s young pacers.

Recently, James Anderson also spoke about the idea of ​​playing franchise cricket. His last T20 appearance was in the 2014 NatWest Blast final for Lancashire, but he is still keen to return as a player.

“I have a couple of months to decide what I will do next year, but in my head I would like to do it,” Anderson said, quoted by the BBC.

“I still feel fit, I still feel like having a ball in my hand, so I would like to try it. If someone wants to take me on, it’s a completely different question.”

Also Read: James Anderson reveals how Pakistan ‘repurposing Multan pitch’ will help Ben Stokes dominate

I miss it and I feel like I enjoy getting to the net and having the ball in my hand – James Anderson

The 42-year-old was asked if he has the “itch to scratch” as a player, to which he replied that he does and that he misses playing cricket.

“There definitely is for me. Whether someone else would like to scratch that itch for me is another question. I miss it and I feel like I enjoy getting to the net and having the ball in my hand.”

Anderson is currently in Pakistan for the three-match Test series. He was not with the team as they prepared for the first Test, preferring to play golf in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to his cricket commitments. However, he joined the team on the second day of the first test.

James Anderson’s absence from the first warm-up test sparked much debate and head coach Brendon McCullum had to come forward to defend his late arrival.

I didn’t accept that invitation before talking to Baz about it – James Anderson

Anderson spoke on this matter and said he accepted the golf invitation after speaking with Brendon McCullum and being in contact with the players. He said:

“I didn’t accept that invitation before talking to Baz about it. I don’t work full time in England, I’m a consultant. He didn’t see any problem with it.

“I was still in contact with the players and in the end it didn’t really matter that I wasn’t here. I thought we played very well. “I’m lucky that Baz is such an understanding guy.

“The last few tours I did we didn’t have a bowling coach. It’s good that the boys take some responsibility. It didn’t matter in the end, did it?”

Also Read: Kevin Pietersen’s suggestion accepted when Pakistan to play 2nd Test at same ground in Multan