As the cricket season approaches, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, Jimmy Anderson, is gearing up for another season with Lancashire, despite his retirement from international cricket last year.
In a candid conversation with rugby star Dan Biggar on the “A Load of BS on Sport” podcast, Anderson opened up about his retirement, his ongoing passion for the game, and the realities of playing at 42 years old.
Jimmy Anderson on Retirement and Continuing to Play
During the podcast, Anderson discussed how he feels about the decision that forced him into retirement from international cricket.
At 42, he still believes he has the ability to play at the highest level. “I’ve spent years taking care of my body so it can last,” Anderson shared.
“My skills are still there, and my speeds haven’t dropped.
I still feel like I could play for England, but obviously, I’ll never know.”
While acknowledging that the decision to retire is part of the sport’s natural progression, Anderson expressed frustration that it was taken out of his hands.
The Buzz of Taking Wickets and the Challenge of Retirement
Anderson also spoke about the challenge of replacing the thrill of taking wickets, something no other job or activity can match.
“Any retired sportsman will tell you that buzz is irreplaceable,” he said.
“That’s why I want to keep playing as long as I can, to drain every little bit of life from my body.”
He acknowledged that while this could be his final season with Lancashire, he is not ruling out a couple more years, depending on how the season goes.
The Pressure of Age in Sport and Society
One of the more poignant moments in the conversation came when Anderson discussed the perception of age in sport.
“At 43, people say, ‘Aren’t you too old to be playing?’ But I’m sure if I wasn’t 42, that wouldn’t even be a question,” Anderson said.
He also pointed out how ageism is not only prevalent in sport but in society as a whole.
“My dad is in his 60s and feels pressured to retire, but it should be about how you feel.
If your body can handle it, there’s no reason to slow down,” he added.
Anderson would like to see this attitude change, citing sports figures like Tom Brady, who has proven that athletes can continue to excel into their 40s with the right support and mindset.
The Role of Captains and Coaches in Anderson’s Development
Reflecting on his early career, Anderson recalled how former England captain Nasser Hussain had a significant influence on him.
“Nasser was very straight-talking and no-nonsense,” Anderson remembered. “As a young player, I loved that because I always knew where I stood.
That clarity helped me a lot when I first started.”
Anderson credited Hussain’s leadership style with helping him navigate the uncertainties that come with being a young player in a senior team.
Hypnotherapy and Mental Preparation for Success
Anderson also discussed the mental side of his game, sharing how he used hypnotherapy to enhance his performance.
“Before each game, I would visualize the day ahead, running through different scenarios, both positive and negative,” he explained.
This mental preparation helped Anderson stay calm and focused, especially in high-pressure situations.
He even shared that during one of his final five-wicket hauls for England, he had the classic song “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell playing in his head, despite it being an unusual choice for such a tense moment.
Looking Forward to Another Season with Lancashire
Anderson expressed excitement about returning to play with Lancashire, especially given the young talent on the team.
“I’ll probably feel like a father figure to many of them, or maybe even a grandfather,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to it.
It’s been about 20 years since I had a full county season, so this is something I’m really excited about.”
Despite his age, Anderson’s passion for the game remains as strong as ever, and he’s eager to continue contributing to his team’s success.
As the cricket season kicks off, Jimmy Anderson’s story reminds fans that even in the later stages of a career, the desire to compete and succeed never fades.
His journey is one of resilience, passion, and a love for the game that transcends age.