Star England pacer James Anderson is likely to call time on his illustrious 22-year-long career at the end of the 2024 summer, the Guardian reported. According to the details, England Test head coach Brendon McCullum reached the United Kingdom (UK) from New Zealand earlier this week and told the right-arm pacer over a round of golf that he looks forward to the future, in a build-up to the Ashes 2025-26. However, neither Anderson nor the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) commented on the reports. But the veteran pacer may address the claims this Saturday as he is scheduled to appear on the BBC’s coverage of the first Women’s T20I between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston. Anderson will turn 42 by the conclusion of England’s three-match series against West Indies in July and could hang up his boots during their subsequent series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence at his home ground, Old Trafford, in August.

James Anderson is the only pacer in history to take 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year. He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia. The pacer is currently the oldest active player in international cricket, making his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s. He bowled Mark Vermeulen to take his first wicket in Test cricket and has taken 700 wickets at an average under 27 with 32 five-wicket hauls.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan