Eng vs Pak: James Anderson Rubbishes Retirement Talks, Says 'Still Hungry To Play'
England's star fast-bowler James Anderson said that he will continue to play for his country at least until Ashes 2021-22.
England cricket team's all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson quashed rumors about him retiring from international cricket. Many cricket experts were speculating that Anderson might announce retirement after his poor outing in the recently-concluded Eng vs Pak 1st Test as the veteran was able to bag just one wicket in the first innings and then remained wicket-less in the second.
However, the 38-year-old said that he will continue to play for his country at least until Ashes 2021-22.
"It's been a frustrating week for me personally," Anderson told reporters via videoconference as per ESPNcricinfo. "I've not bowled very well and felt out of rhythm. For the first time in probably 10 years I got a little bit emotional on the field.
"I got a bit frustrated and let it get to me a little bit. It reminded me of when I first started playing, when you get frustrated and a little bit angry, you try and bowl quicker and quicker and it doesn't help," he added.
Anderson also lashed out at reports claiming his retirement after 'one bad game'.
"Yes, I absolutely want to play in the Ashes. But it's not like that's a focus of mine. I want to play as long as I possibly can. I'm still hungry to play the game," Anderson said.
"If I keep bowling the way I did this week, the opportunity to retire will be taken out of my hands. It will be a selection issue. I think the frustration for me this week was the sort of whispers that go around after one bad game. I don't think that's really fair.
"Everyone has a bad game every now and then. That's how I look at it. I'll work hard to try and put things right if I get a chance next week if I get the chance," he added.
Chasing a target of 277, Jos Buttler (75 runs off 101 balls) and Chris Woakes ( 84 runs off 120 balls) staged a fightback to bring up a ballistic 139-run partnership to help England beat Pakistan by three wickets, take 1-0 lead on Day 4 of the first Eng vs Pak Test a Old Trafford.
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