James Anderson is set to play his final Test matches this summer, after England coach Brendon McCullum made it clear the team would soon be looking to the future.
The iconic seamer is 41 years old and turns 42 in July, but remains in England’s first choice attack despite his age.
Anderson took his 700th Test wicket earlier this year, becoming the first pace bowler to do so and only the third bowler of any ilk to reach the incredible landmark.
However, the Guardian reports that his time in the England team is soon to be at an end after talks with McCullum.
The New Zealander reportedly informed Anderson over a round of golf that England are now looking to build an attack for the Ashes series in Australia in 2025-26 and will have to move on from him to do so.
The Lancashire bowler will be 43 by the time that series comes around and McCullum does not see him as a viable option to lead the attack Down Under.
England have three-Test series coming up this summer against both West Indies and Sri Lanka and Anderson is now expected to call time on his career at some stage during those six matches.
It could be that he plays throughout the summer, although the first Test of the Sri Lanka series is on his home ground of Old Trafford and that could be where he chooses to hang up his boots.
The veteran has plaed 187 Tests for his country, taking 700 wickets at an average of 26.52, in a remarkable career at the highest level.
His Test debut came in May 2003 against Zimbabwe, although he made his ODI debut before that, playing against Australia in December 2002 and going on to make 194 ODI appearances, taking 269 wickets.
England’s Test summer
10 July – 1st Test vs West Indies – Lord’s
18 July – 2nd Test vs West Indies – Trent Bridge
26 July – 3rd Test vs West Indies – Edgbaston
21 August – 1st Test vs Sri Lanka – Old Trafford
29 August – 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka – Lord’s
06 August – 3rd Test vs Sri Lanka – The Oval
Speaking to TNT Sports in March, Anderson said he was in the best shape of his career and was looking forward to the summer’s action.
‘I’m really excited for the summer,’ he said. ‘I want to make sure I’m playing well and earn my place in the team.
‘I’m not getting any worse. I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in.
‘I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets. My place in the team is not a given so I’ve got to work hard to prove I’m worth a place in the summer.’
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