James Anderson insists "there are no thoughts about retirement" despite modest Ashes campaign

Anderson has endured a disappointing Ashes campaign, claming just four wickets at 76.75 apiece across three appearances.

James Anderson has insisted he has no plans to retire despite the increasing focus on his place in the England side.

Anderson has endured a disappointing Ashes campaign, claming just four wickets at 76.75 apiece across three appearances. 

With Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson all vying for a spot in the XI, and Josh Tongue having also emerged onto the scene in 2023, there is fierce competition for places.

And despite being England's record wicket-taker, and the most prolific seamer in the history of the game, attention has turned to 40-year-old Anderson - he will turn 41 on the fourth day of the fifth Test.

^{James Anderson says he has no plans to retire [Getty Images]}

Anderson has been included in an unchanged England team as the hosts look to level the series at 2-2.

However, that will not stop the speculation about what happens next. Anderson, though, is not going to volunteer to stand down any time soon.

"I love playing Test cricket as much as I ever have and this is my favourite period as an England cricketer. Just being around this group, the way we play and how we enjoy ourselves on the field. There are no thoughts about retirement," he wrote in his Telegraph column. 

Anderson is no stranger to questions over his future: in fact, it has been a recurring theme for several years. However, his form since turning 35 - and his remarkable levels of fitness - have generally meant the debate has not gone far.

The end of this Ashes series could be different. England are not in Test action again until late January, when they embark on a five-match tour of India - a trip that seems an unlikely fit for Anderson.

^{Anderson has claimed four wickets in the ongoing Ashes series [Getty Images]}

That could mean a wait of as long as 10 months for his next international runout. 

"Ten or 15 years ago the debate would be about whether I should be dropped. Now it is about my future. I understand that. It is the Oval, the end of a series and a time for speculation," Anderson wrote.

"I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best for the team. That is exactly where I am at the minute."

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