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At the start of 2024, the England team witnessed the retirement of the most successful pacer in test cricket. James Anderson hung up his boots after playing the first test against the West Indies at Lord’s.
The ace pacer bagged 704 Test wickets—the highest by a fast bowler in the format and third-highest in the history of Test cricket. The fact that Anderson played 188 Tests over 21 years reflects his fitness and dedication to the longest format.
Post-retirement, Anderson is the bowling coach of the English team and has tasted success so far in his coaching role. England have won all five Tests at home this summer – three against the West Indies and two against Sri Lanka.
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Anderson recently revealed to Sky Sports that he will continue to be England’s bowling coach when they tour Pakistan and New Zealand in winter.
On that note, here is why James Anderson is the perfect bowling coach for England’s Test team.
Can mentor the new crop of English pacers?
After James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s retirements, apart from Chris Woakes, the rest of the English bowlers are rather inexperienced in Test cricket.
Gus Atkinson and Olly Stone are playing their fifth and fourth Tests, respectively. While Matthew Potts has played eight Tests, Josh Hull is making his debut in the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka at the Oval.
Thus, the English pace bowling line-up is inexperienced and relatively raw for international cricket. The vastly experienced James Anderson will be a perfect bowling coach for the young pacers and will have a lot to share with the new crop.
Has played Test cricket till recently and knows the way the modern game is played
Anderson played Test cricket for 21 years. He made his Test debut in 2003 when T20 cricket was in its infancy. With the advent of T20 franchise leagues, Test cricket has also changed.
James Anderson played Test cricket till July 2024 and witnessed the format’s evolution. Be it the Bazzball style or a more result-oriented approach, Anderson has seen it all. In fact, in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, there have only been three draws across 38 Tests played.
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Having played Test cricket for so long, Anderson knows the mindset of the modern-day batters in the longest format and can provide his input and guide the next generation of English pace bowlers.
Has played international cricket with England’s Test coaching staff and has a good rapport with them
England’s red ball coaching staff comprises ex-English players like Paul Collingwood (assistant coach), Andrew Flintoff (assistant coach), and Marcus Trescothick (batting coach).
Anderson has played international cricket with Collingwood, Flintoff, and Trescothick and has been associated with them for over two decades. Having played cricket with the trio and tasted success for England, Anderson will look to reunite with them in coaching the young English pacers and taking England to the top in Test cricket.