'It was just a five-minute call, was in shock' - James Anderson reveals how Test snub unfolded

After being dropped from England’s team for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, veteran pacer James Anderson hopes that it is not the “end” of his career. The 39-year old bowler has scalped 640 wickets in longest form of the game and he is the third-most successful bowler in Test cricket. However, after facing a humiliating 0-4 loss by the hands of Australia down under, England Cricket Board (ECB) has dropped Anderson along with his new ball partner Stuart Broad.

The veteran pacer has expressed his frustration on a five-minute phone call he received from the board informing him about his release from the Test side. He has also emphasized that the upcoming director and head coach of the team should conduct a detailed discussion before making further decisions.

I am praying this isn’t the end: James Anderson

“I’m praying this isn’t the end. I’ve got one more go at digging deep. I’ve got a lot left to offer – I’ve still got the hunger and passion to play. It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it’s important I try to focus on the stuff I can control and that’s showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand,” Anderson said on the Tailenders Podcast, as reported by ICC.

“There is likely to be a new director of cricket and new head coach so I just hope that whatever decision is made, it is talked about in the way that it should be. Another frustration for me is that it was just a five-minute phone call – it doesn’t really clear much up for you,” Anderson further said.

However, England Test captain Joe Root has come in support of both senior players stating that it is not end of the line for Anderson and Broad. “I’ve spoken to Stuart and Jimmy and they’re obviously disappointed, angry, and Stuart in particular has voiced that quite publicly. And you’d expect that. I’ve got a huge amount of respect for both of them. At no point – it’s been made very clear – no one is saying this is the end for them,” Root said, as quoted by the Guardian.