Steve Harmison, the former England cricketer, has openly expressed his belief that James Anderson should have considered retiring after the Ashes 2023 series, mirroring the decision of his former bowling partner Stuart Broad.
Anderson's performance in the Ashes 2023 was not up to his usual legendary standards, despite being known as one of the greatest pacers of all time. In a series that concluded with a 2-2 draw, Anderson played four out of five games, but picked up only five wickets at an average of 85.40. His subpar form, he clarified, was not due to age but a temporary slump.
However, the 41-year-old cricket icon has been assertive about his intentions to continue playing. Steve Harmison told I, "I'm not sure how long I see Jimmy holding out for," adding, "I would have loved to have seen him retire this week. Not because of ability and age, I just think going out at the top against Australia is always the best way to go."
Harmison further explained that practicality must guide the England cricket team's decisions about Anderson's future. He said, "He's been unlucky this series as he got an injury just before the first Test and missed a bit of cricket. I thought he didn't have that zip that's made him so potent for a number of years. Whether that's just out of rhythm or the age factor, only Jimmy knows."
"He deserves to go out when he wants to. But England have got a decision to make. They can't work on fairytales, they have to work on practicality."
"Is Jimmy going to be one of their best three seamers in India over those five Test matches? He might play one or two, but can he get through to next summer? Will England even take him to India?"
Anderson's stance to keep playing puts the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a challenging spot, especially with the offer of central contracts next month. Harmison pondered, "Will the ECB financially look after him, will they give him a central contract?" He also questioned Anderson's potential role in upcoming matches, considering budgets and England's strategic planning.
"They've got 11 Test matches [in the next year]. How many is he going to play? That shouldn't come into it but it has to because of budgets and England has to contract the right people and have the foresight to pick the right teams."
Harmison concluded by emphasising that there must be a thorough discussion between Anderson and ECB regarding the path forward, saying, "If Jimmy doesn't fit into that, who has that conversation with him? I think there's a lot of talking to do between Jimmy and the hierarchy at the ECB about the road ahead but fingers crossed he gets to next summer because I wouldn't like to see him go out with an injury or with him not being picked."
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