As the cricket season begins, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, Jimmy Anderson, is gearing up for another year with Lancashire.
Even though he was retired from international cricket last year, the 42-year-old bowler has made it clear he still feels he has a lot to offer the sport.
Anderson recently sat down with rugby star Dan Biggar on the A Load of BS on Sport podcast to share his thoughts on retirement, ageism in sports, and what keeps him motivated to continue playing at the county level.
Jimmy Anderson’s Ambition to Play International Cricket
Anderson might be turning 43 this summer, but he insists he still feels physically capable of competing at the international level.
Despite stepping away from England duty, the pace bowler is in no rush to slow down and continues to maintain that his skills remain sharp.
“I’ve spent years taking care of my body, and it’s still in good shape,” Anderson shared.
“I feel like I could still play for England if the opportunity came, but that’s not up to me.
As long as my body can handle it, I’m not going to stop pushing myself.”
Dealing with the Loss of International Cricket
Retirement wasn’t exactly Anderson’s choice, and the decision to step away from the international game has been a tough pill to swallow.
For him, it wasn’t about feeling like he couldn’t contribute anymore; rather, it was about knowing when the team needed to move forward.
“I always thought that when I no longer felt I could win matches for England, that would be the time to retire,” Anderson explained. “But I didn’t feel that moment come.
It’s frustrating when it’s taken out of your hands, especially when there’s so much to look forward to, like the Ashes.”
The Irreplaceable Buzz of Taking Wickets
Even though Anderson has one more season with Lancashire to look forward to, the former England star admits there’s no substitute for the rush of taking wickets at the highest level.
“That feeling of getting a wicket, especially when it’s a match-changing one, is something you can’t replace,” he said.
“I want to get as much out of my body as possible before it’s all over, but there’s no denying that it’s something you’ll miss when it’s gone.”
No Fear in the Later Stages of a Career
Reflecting on his career, Anderson likened the experience to a journey with different phases.
Early on, there was a sense of no fear, followed by the pressure of reputation, and now, in the later stages, he feels confident and content with where he stands.
“The pressure eases as you get older because you’ve earned your spot,” Anderson said
. “But there’s still outside noise, and when I’m 43, people are asking if I’m too old to play.
If I was younger, no one would question it.”
He believes that ageism isn’t just a problem in sports; it’s something that affects all areas of life.
“Age shouldn’t be a barrier. If you’re physically capable, there’s no reason you can’t continue.”
The Power of Positive Mentality
Anderson also discussed his use of hypnotherapy during his playing days, particularly around the age of 29, to manage the mental side of the game.
Visualization techniques helped him stay calm and focus on the bigger picture, whether he was taking wickets or dealing with challenges on the field.
“Hypnotherapy helped me stay calm before games, especially when dealing with pressure,” he shared.
“I’d visualize all sorts of scenarios, both good and bad, so I was prepared for anything.
It really helped me focus and keep my cool.”
Mentoring Youngsters at Lancashire
Returning to Lancashire for his first full county season in 20 years, Anderson looks forward to mentoring the younger players on the team.
With so many fresh faces in the squad, he is excited to pass on his knowledge and experience.
“I’ll be the older guy in the dressing room, and I’m looking forward to that,” he said.
“It’s exciting because I still believe I can make a difference, and playing the game still brings me a lot of joy.”
Jimmy Anderson’s determination to continue playing despite being well into his 40s shows that passion and dedication to the game can last well beyond the conventional retirement age in cricket.
The upcoming season at Lancashire promises to be an exciting one for the veteran bowler as he strives to make the most of the years he has left in the game.