James Anderson has revealed he was in “shock” and felt “frustration and anger” after he was dropped for England’s tour of the West Indies.
Both Anderson, 39, and fellow fast bowler Stuart Broad, 35, were axed from England’s squad for next month’s three-Test tour following the sides’ brutal 4-0 Ashes series loss.
Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, Anderson said he hoped his omission would not spell the end of his illustrious international career.
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“I’m praying this isn’t the end,” he said.
“But if I never play for England again, I know I’ve got amazing people around me to support me and that’s really important.”
As England’s leading Test wicket-taker, Anderson is determined to impress in England’s domestic first-class competition to take back his position.
“I’ve got one more go at digging deep,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot left to offer – I’ve still got the hunger and passion to play.
“It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it’s important I try to focus on [the] stuff I can control and that’s showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand.
“I know I’m not slowing down or losing anything.”
Interim ECB managing director Andrew Strauss said the decision to leave out Anderson and Broad “does not mean the end” of their Test careers.
Anderson said he and Broad had messaged one another following the decision in which they got “some initial frustration and anger out”.
He added that “another frustration” was that of the “five-minute phone call” he had with Strauss in which he was told he dropped, but did not “really clear much up” as to why.
English captain Joe Root has insisted that Anderson and Broad have not been deserted and can still fight to regain their spots.
“At no stage has anyone said it’s the end for them. It would be great to see them starting the season and putting themselves in the mix for selection,” he said.
“You don’t want to look too far ahead. Ultimately, we’ve got to look after what’s right in front of us. And that’s this tour and making sure we get as much of that right as we possibly can.
“If we’re in a position where they can come back into this team, then great, that’s only going to strengthen things. A lot can happen between now and then. But no-one’s been told that it’s the end of the road.”
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