Cricket

Lancashire's Vitality County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Southport was marred by rain, with the entire second day washed out. The abandonment was a setback for James Anderson's preparations for his farewell Test at Lord's next week.Despite early showers, umpires initially planned for Lancashire to resume their first innings at 12.30pm. However, prolonged rain forced them to abandon the day's play at 4.05pm.The cancellation was particularly disappointing for spectators who had hoped to see Anderson bowl in his first game of the season. Anderson is set to play his final Test match against West Indies at Lord's, starting on July 10.England's director of cricket, Rob Key, confirmed on Monday that Anderson will stay on with the England team after the Lord's Test as a fast-bowling mentor.Should play be possible on Tuesday, Lancashire will resume on 344 for eight with skipper Keaton Jennings on 188 not out.In the nine games played at Southport since first-class cricket returned to the ground in 2011, this is only the second time in 31 days that play has been completely abandoned.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, will join the team's backroom staff as a fast-bowling mentor upon his retirement from Test cricket after the upcoming series opener against the West Indies at Lord's. The 41-year-old is the first seamer and only third bowler to have taken 700 Test wickets, following spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.Anderson's decision to retire from Test cricket stems from England's desire to move on ahead of the 2025/26 Ashes. However, England managing director Rob Key has emphasized the value of Anderson's experience and expertise, stating that he will continue to play a role in the team's setup as a mentor.Key believes that Anderson has a wealth of knowledge to offer English cricket and is keen to retain his services. Anderson's future with Lancashire remains uncertain, but Key expects that his plans will become clearer after the Lord's Test.England have included three uncapped players in their squad for the first two matches of the three-Test series against the West Indies. Jamie Smith has been selected as the wicketkeeper ahead of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Smith, who averages over 50 in the County Championship this season, is seen as a promising prospect for the future.Key explained that Smith's selection is based on his potential and the belief that he can develop into a top-class international cricketer. He also consulted with former England wicketkeepers Chris Read, James Foster, and Alec Stewart to assess Smith's suitability for the role.Key acknowledged that Bairstow, who has struggled for form lately, needs to rediscover his previous level of performance. He expressed concerns about Bairstow's ability to withstand the demands of keeping wicket for extended periods in Test matches.Key also addressed the recent defeats in the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup, which have raised questions about the future of England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler and coach Matthew Mott. He stated that he will take his time in making decisions regarding their positions and will assess the team's performance in the upcoming series against Australia.

England's management team, comprising Rob Key, Brendon McCullum, and Ben Stokes, met with veteran fast bowler James Anderson in Manchester last month to inform him that it was time for him to retire from international cricket. The decision was reached after a 90-minute meeting, where the team management expressed their belief that it was time for a transition in the bowling department.Key, the managing director of the England men's teams, stated that Anderson had been expecting the conversation but was not completely surprised. The team management had been monitoring Anderson's performances and felt that his time at the top level was coming to an end.Anderson has decided to play one final Test match, which will be against West Indies at Lord's in July. Key emphasized that the decision to retire was Anderson's own, and the team management did not pressure him into it.The retirement of Anderson leaves a significant void in England's bowling attack, but Key expressed excitement about the prospect of new players stepping up. He mentioned several young fast bowlers who are in contention for selection, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, and Ollie Robinson.Key also acknowledged that Robinson needs to improve his robustness and consistency. He stated that when Robinson is at his best, he is a very good bowler, but when his pace drops, he becomes less effective.Jofra Archer, another fast bowler in England's central contract, is not expected to play Test cricket this summer but could feature in Sussex's 2nd XI fixture against Kent this week. Ben Stokes, meanwhile, could play in Durham's County Championship fixture against Lancashire from Friday.

Kemar Roach, the veteran West Indies fast bowler, has hailed James Anderson as "one of the greatest" in history as the English legend prepares for his final Test match at Lord's this summer. However, Roach has also issued a challenge to his West Indies teammates to "ruin" Anderson's farewell by defeating England in the series.Roach's comments come after a strong start to the County Championship season, where he took 6 for 46 in Surrey's win over Warwickshire. His international teammates, Jayden Seales and Jason Holder, have also found form playing for Sussex and Worcestershire, respectively.With Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph also in the squad, West Indies will have one of their strongest seam attacks in years when they face England in three Tests from July 10-30. Roach believes that a series win is achievable, despite the potential distraction of Anderson's farewell."It's a very highly talented and skillful group," Roach said. "We've not had the best of times over here in England, so it's more about focusing on us - not what they're going to do for him. He's going to get what he deserves. But it's all about us working hard to get what we deserve, which is a series win over here in England."Roach and Anderson have played against each other in 12 Tests dating back to 2012. "He's a great fast bowler, probably one of the greatest," Roach said. "It's sad to see him go, but we all know you can't play forever. He's done fantastically for England and he deserves whatever he gets."Anderson confirmed on Saturday that the Lord's Test will be his last. "First Test match against us… hopefully, we ruin it," Roach said, laughing. "He's highly respected. He's always given me great advice as well. He will go down as one of the greatest to ever do it. I wish him all the best after that Test match, and hopefully he enjoys whatever comes next."Roach believes that West Indies' seam attack is among the best he has played in. "With Shamar and Jayden Seales now - Alzarri as well - they have added a lot of X-factor to the bowling unit. On any given day, they can have a great spell and be devastating. That is what you want. You just want it as consistently as possible, to have those great days.""To have three guys like that in the team, a captain to have that to select, for any given day or any given surface [is great]. As a group, we are pretty confident. England is always our biggest series… We want to put up a good fight, put on a good show. We haven't won a Test series in England for quite a while so it is good to come with some confidence, and hopefully we can do it this time."Roach turns 36 next month, but his devastating spell for Surrey on Sunday evening proved that he remains a potent wicket-taking threat. He has spent the past two weeks working hard on his "balance at the crease" with bowling coach Jade Dernbach, and found prodigious reverse-swing to dismantle Warwickshire's batting line-up."I felt good," he said. "It's been a tough couple of weeks for me, trying to work on some things, but it's always good to get rewards for some hard work. As a fast bowler, you always want to see the stumps flying around. I'm building with Surrey. [I want to] get myself in good physical shape, the right mental space, and then when it gets to the West Indies tour, I will build on that.""I have no retirement time in sight. I think I can go as long as I want, but obviously it's all on performances. The older you get, you need to have performances to stay in the team. I've been doing well, but I just want to keep helping the youngsters so they're in a good space, mentally and physically. I'll be happy to see those guys going after me and breaking those records if they have to."Roach has two more games remaining in his fourth stint at Surrey, at home to Worcestershire and away at Hampshire, and has helped them secure an early lead at the top of the table in their bid for a third successive Championship title. "To get that win, moving us further up the top of the table, is a fantastic feeling," he said. "Let's continue the hard work, finish off and hopefully go for that trophy."

England's bowling attack faces a significant challenge following the retirement of veteran pacer James Anderson, according to former teammate Stuart Broad. Anderson, the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Test cricket, announced his decision to step down after the first match against West Indies at Lord's in July.Broad expressed concerns about the inexperience of England's current bowling options, including Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson. He emphasized the need for these bowlers to gain exposure and experience to fill the void left by Anderson's departure."I think exposure for some bowlers now is really important, because there's talent out there," Broad said. "You've got the likes of Matthew Potts who has done well in Test cricket and on a Lions tour, Gus Atkinson has loads of great attributes, Josh Tongue who struggled a bit with injuries over the winter but bowled great against Ireland and Australia."Broad also highlighted the potential of Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, but acknowledged that England could potentially field a very inexperienced bowling group in the near future. "England could easily go into a Test match this summer with a very, very inexperienced bowling group," he said. "That's quite scary as a Test captain I would have thought."Anderson's retirement will leave a significant hole in England's bowling attack, not only in terms of his wicket-taking ability but also his leadership and experience. Broad emphasized the importance of finding someone to step into Anderson's role and provide guidance to the younger bowlers."There's going to certainly be a huge hole left by Jimmy Anderson that someone is going to have to step into," Broad said. "And not just by swinging the new ball. But by communicating, by keeping calm if the boundaries are leaking, by tactically being aware of what field works at certain grounds, pitches and times of Test matches."Broad believes that continuous improvement is key to success in Test cricket, and he praised Anderson for his unwavering commitment to developing his game. "My thing was always continuous improvement," Broad said. "Jimmy's has always been that as well, and we drove each other forward a lot with that mindset."England will host West Indies in a three-match ICC World Test Championship series in July, starting with the first Test at Lord's. The series will provide an opportunity for the younger bowlers to gain experience and prove their worth in the absence of Anderson.

James Anderson's illustrious Test career, spanning two decades, has been a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite a shaky start, marked by an overambitious field placement that allowed Dion Ebrahim to plunder runs, Anderson's debut over was quickly overshadowed by his maiden Test five-for, bamboozling Mark Vermeulen with a classic inswinger.Initially, Anderson's fiery run-up and explosive deliveries were more about moments of brilliance than consistency. However, as he matured, he harnessed his powers, making economy of magic the cornerstone of his game. His ability to eliminate errors and deliver devastating deliveries with minimal fuss became his hallmark.Anderson's control and consistency were instrumental in England's greatest series victories, including the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012-13 triumph in India. His parsimony perfectly complemented Alastair Cook's methodical approach to building innings, allowing England to dismantle opponents with precision and patience.Despite concerns about his relevance in the Bazball era, Anderson has proven his worth, claiming 60 wickets at an impressive average since Brendon McCullum took over. His performances have justified his recall, alongside Stuart Broad, who has also been a key figure in England's recent resurgence.Anderson's longevity is a testament to his robust physique and unwavering determination. Despite early struggles and injuries, he has remained remarkably resilient, defying expectations and becoming one of the most enduring fast bowlers in history.As Anderson prepares for his final Test at Lord's, he leaves behind a legacy of greatness. His puritanical values, unwavering competitiveness, and love for the game have made him an icon. While he may not seek the limelight, the tributes he receives will not only celebrate his individual brilliance but also the end of an era in fast bowling.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, is reportedly set to retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer. According to The Guardian, England's Test coach Brendon McCullum personally informed Anderson of his decision during a round of golf earlier this week.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen him become one of the most successful bowlers in Test history. He became the third player to reach 700 Test wickets earlier this year, a testament to his longevity and skill. However, his recent performances have been less impressive, with a relatively light workload in India and a disappointing showing against Australia last summer.At 42 years of age, Anderson is approaching the twilight of his career. He is expected to address his future on Saturday during the BBC's coverage of England women's T20I against Pakistan. The ECB has declined to comment on the matter.Anderson's retirement will leave a significant void in England's bowling attack. England men's managing director Rob Key has indicated that he will look to a new generation of seamers to lead the team in the coming years. Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Matt Potts, Gus Atkinson, Matt Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, and John Turner are among the young bowlers who could potentially fill Anderson's shoes.Anderson's legacy as one of England's greatest bowlers is secure. His exceptional skill, determination, and longevity have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide. His retirement will mark the end of an era for English cricket, but his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has criticized England's "Bazball" approach, calling it "defenseless cricket." Ashwin's comments come after India's 4-1 victory in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England.Ashwin took particular issue with James Anderson's claim ahead of Day 4 of the second Test that England would chase down the 399-run target within 60 overs. The result was quite different, as the visitors were bowled out and defeated comprehensively. Ashwin expressed surprise at the over-the-top statement, saying that although it was a show of positive mindset, it "went too far.""James Anderson went into a press conference in the second Test after winning the first considerably well. Much respect to them for winning that. He told the press that even if the 4th innings target was 500 or 600, we'll finish it in 60 overs. Even though it was an example of their positive mindset, it felt like they had gone too far," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin also believes that Bazball leans more towards being a "defenseless cricket" and although Joe Root is a great player of spin, his game was also impacted due to the style of cricket."The one thing I understood after the first Test is that Bazball isn't just aggressive cricket. It is defenseless cricket. They aren't going to play a defensive shot at all. They are going to get out if they play defense. To my surprise, Joe Root also agreed to their game plan. Because if you take world cricket's vest defense rankings, Root is an easy number 1 on that list against spin. He also bought into their approach," he said.On the second day of the Rajkot Test match, Ashwin dismissed England's Zak Crawley to pocket his 500th Test scalp. Before him, only Anil Kumble reached the milestone among Indians. He became the ninth bowler worldwide to take 500 wickets. However, hours after the feat, Ashwin went through a traumatic experience for which he had to leave the squad on an immediate basis."Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin," said BCCI in its release. Reports said Ashwin's mother Chitra had suffered a medical emergency.Now, Ashwin has revealed how exactly thing transpired. "We went to the dressing room for another debrief and then back to our rooms. Rohit, me, and others were just discussing some things about the match here and there.""That is when I realized I was not getting calls from my parents or wife. I thought they were busy attending calls and giving interviews. I called my wife around 7 PM, asking why my parents weren't answering my call. Her voice was a bit shaky. She asked me to come separately from the crowd and told me that my mother collapsed after a headache," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel."I blanked out. I did not know how to react or what questions to ask. I was crying but wanted to ensure nobody was watching me cry. It is unnecessary to think of it that way, but it was instinctive. I could not think. I was crying in my room for some time.""Then, the team physio checked on me as I was not picking up calls. Rahul Bhai and Rohit Bhai also came to check on me, and all I could tell them was that I could not think clearly," he added.

James Anderson, the legendary English seam bowler, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first pacer to reach the milestone of 700 wickets. However, despite this remarkable achievement, Anderson remains unfazed, prioritizing team success over personal accolades.Anderson's historic feat came on the final morning of England's 4-1 series loss in India. With Kuldeep Yadav caught behind, Anderson joined the elite club of bowlers with 700 Test wickets, a feat previously accomplished only by spinners Muthiah Muralidharan and Shane Warne.Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Anderson expressed mixed emotions. "It was a nice moment, but I don't know how I feel," he said. "I would've felt more excited if we'd have won the Test or the series."Anderson's humility stems from his unwavering focus on team performance. "I don't play cricket to get the milestones. I want to win games," he emphasized. "That's why I'm probably a little bit flat now, because we've lost 4-1 in this series."Despite the disappointing result, Anderson remains optimistic about England's future. "We've stuck together really well, we really enjoy being together as a group and there is more to come from this team," he said.At 41 years old, Anderson's longevity and fitness are remarkable. He attributes his success to his unwavering dedication to training and his love for the game. "I'm not getting any worse," he said. "I'm definitely in the best shape I've ever been in."Anderson's 700th wicket is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering spirit. While he may not seek personal glory, his achievement will forever be etched in the history of Test cricket.