James Anderson 'at peace' with England omission and tips replacement for big future
- Planet Sport writer
- 21 March 2022
James Anderson has lifted the lid on his feelings after being dropped for England's tour of the West Indies.
James Anderson says it is "not especially" difficult to watch England's tour or the West Indies despite his omission from the squad.
Anderson and Stuart Broad are statistically England's greatest ever Test bowlers yet both were left at home after a difficult Ashes series.
The decision has not looked like a good one so far, with England struggling for wickets in the Caribbean resulting in drawing both Tests so far.
However, despite initially saying he was feeling angry at being dropped by England, Anderson says he has now moved on.
"When you're hearing how things are going and not being a part of this rebuild is a little bit tough," Anderson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"But I made peace with the decision weeks ago, it's completely out of my control.
"What I can do now is just get myself ready for the county season and try and show people what I can do. I feel in a good place physically and mentally as well.
"I'm just looking forward to playing some cricket for Lancashire."
🎶 Saqib Mahmood is bowling, controlling, he’s gonna bowl em all out TONIGHT! 🎶#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/y8RV5yIuLT
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) March 20, 2022
One bright spot for England has been Saqib Mahmood and Anderson believes there is still more to come from his Lancashire team-mate.
"It will do wonders for him," Anderson said of Mahmood's second innings figures of four for 79 in the Barbados draw. "That's an amazing return on that pitch where we saw all other seam bowlers struggle.
"To perform like that in your first game, especially in that second innings, it did give England a little bit of a sniff.
"His chest will be out after that game. It would have been hard work for him on that pitch this week and Test cricket will only get easier as his career develops.
"He's not a Jofra (Archer), he's not a Mark Wood, he's not a 95mph bowler. I feel like he's going to consistently hit 85mph and be pretty accurate."
