Strangely enough, a good many famous cricketers have started and ended their careers, yet the legend of James Anderson never stopped playing for the English whites, always brandishing the bright red cherry. Even though former captain Joe Root is still going strong, there’s a natural tendency to hold onto special moments and the camaraderie that come with being linked with Anderson for a very long time.
Notably, Root has appeared in 110 of 188 Tests and has been the speed legend’s constant partner. His 46 captaincy of the team with Anderson in it was second only to Alastair Cook’s 49. Root, who joined Anderson on the team in December 2012 and made his debut in Nagpur, said he will be terribly saddened by his close friend’s absence from the pitch.
Joe Root reflected on the departures of James Anderson and Stuart Broad in 2023 and voiced a complicated range of emotions, bemoaning the approaching loss of playing alongside both famous bowlers. But Root also emphasised the upside of the pacer staying on as a bowling consultant throughout the English summer, anticipating that the veteran’s abundance of knowledge and psychological insights given in the changing room will provide younger bowlers with invaluable coaching. Root expressed gratitude for the emotional farewell that Anderson got, but she also admitted to a hint of regret at his departure.
“Watching Stuart [Broad] go last year and [now] Jimmy is a little strange. Playing with him will be sorely missed, but having him around for the summer will benefit the next young bowlers and allow us to continue utilising his experience and all the other resources he provides in the changing room. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “I’m really happy that he was able to have the send-off that he deserves, but it’s also sad to see him go in some ways.” said Root.
My only goal is to help this squad score as many runs as possible: Joe Root
Joe Root dismissed questions concerning his ultimate retirement plans and the timeline for his departure from cricket with a lighthearted and carefree demeanour, expressing faith in his ability to stay in the game for a long time. He highlighted his unwavering commitment to winning on the field by emphasising his dedication to scoring runs for the team and helping them win.
“Well, let’s get started. Not right now. I hope to continue playing for a considerable amount of time. My only goal is to help this team win as many games as can and score as many runs as I can for them,” Root continued.
Also Read: ‘He was forced out’—David Lloyd criticises England management for mishandling James Anderson’s retirement
Mark Wood has been added to the England squad for this Thursday’s second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. The 34-year-old fast bowler replaces the retiring Anderson in the hole. With this choice, Wood will be in competition with his county colleague Matt Potts and the untainted 25-year-old Dillon Pennington from Nottinghamshire for the one available seamer post.
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