James Anderson explains his retirement decision

James Anderson, who will turn 42, will end his 21-year playing career in England's first Test against the West Indies on July 10. He has no regrets about leaving Test cricket and is in a cheerful mood as he exits international cricket. But why did he decide to retire? He explained in detail...

In April, England cricket's top three officials—Managing Director Rob Key, red-ball coach Brendon McCullum, and Test captain Ben Stokes—called Anderson for a meeting. They informed him that they were considering rebuilding the England Test team with an eye on the 2025-26 Ashes series. This led Anderson to make the final decision to retire from Test cricket.

Anderson said he understood the purpose of the meeting as soon as he was informed about it, "I won't say it was a surprising incident. When the top three called me to a hotel in Manchester, I didn't think it was for a trivial matter. I had a sense that something significant was going to happen. They were more surprised to see me staying calm."

Anderson mentioned that he was not angry about being left out of their plans, "I was surprised at my own reaction. I wasn't emotional, I wasn't angry, I didn't do anything."

Anderson further added, "I appreciated their perspective and that they explained their plans and reasons in detail. I accepted it and had no hard feelings about the decision."

According to Anderson, he is still bowling as he did early in his career, "I think I'm still bowling the same way I've always bowled. But I knew that sooner or later, I'd have to stop, whether it was today or two years from now. I'll be happy if I can contribute a little this week, whether it's taking one wicket or whatever the number, I want to help win the match with a small contribution."

Anderson is trying to manage his emotions as he plays his final match, "I’m sure emotions will change this week, but right now, I’m focusing on how to manage my tears."