James Anderson’s remarkable England career is set to be come to an end this summer.
As first reported by the Guardian, it is understood that head coach Brendon McCullum recently flew in from New Zealand and met with Anderson, informing the 41-year-old that England wanted to look towards the future.
McCullum spoke with him over a round of golf and a swansong this summer appears the most likely outcome, though it is not certain whether Anderson will feature in those Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka, before England turn their focus to a tour of New Zealand in the winter.
Anderson became the first seamer and just the third bowler in history to reach 700 Test wickets, after spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, in his most recent outing against India in Dharamsala in March.
However, with Anderson turning 42 in July and his returns dwindling, McCullum wants to modify the seam attack and build towards the future with one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes.
The fast bowler, who made his Test debut in May 2003, endured a frustrating Ashes on home soil last summer, taking just five wickets in four matches at an average of 85.40.
Speaking in March on his Tailenders podcast, Anderson said he was in the “best shape” of his career.
“I'm really excited for the summer," Anderson said. "I want to make sure I'm playing well and earn my place in the team.
"I'm not getting any worse. I'm definitely in the best shape I've ever been in. I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets.”
England play three Tests each against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, who will in August visit Anderson's home ground of Emirates Old Trafford, where there is an end named after him.
