The return of England's all-time leading wicket-taker beckons after new managing director of men's cricket Rob Key revealed he wants both him and Stuart Broad back
James Anderson is relishing the prospect of an England Test return after being given the thumbs up by new captain Ben Stokes and managing director of men's cricket Rob Key.
Stokes and Key have agreed that Anderson and Stuart Broad, who were omitted from the West Indies tour in March, will return when New Zealand tour in June.
And the news has been welcomed by Anderson, 39, who has 640 Test wickets.
"Stuart and I were hoping our careers weren't over," Anderson told BBC Radio Lancashire. "So it's nice to hear there's a chance."
"It still means we've got to put in some performances here with our counties to prove that we're playing well enough to get in that final XI.
"Because of the situation and not having people in these roles, you're just so unsure of what's going to happen. So now having that clarity is really nice."
England are still to appoint a new head coach, with the roles set to be split between the red and white-ball formats.
Rob Key has endorsed the return of Anderson and Broad (Clive Rose/Getty Images)
But the appointment of Stokes and Key represents the start of a new era for English cricket.
Anderson returned to action for the first time since the Ashes against Gloucestershire in the LV= Insurance County Championship, finishing with match figures of 2 for 55
He then claimed 3 for 24 in Hampshire's first innings in the ongoing match at The Ageas Bowl, before dismissing Joe Weatherley and James Vince in the second innings.
"I'd love to be part of that," Anderson added on Stokes' new regime.
"We've had a tough few years, we're down the bottom of the Test Championship.
"English cricket needs to get back to winning Test matches."
England face World Test Championship holders New Zealand in a three-match series, starting on June 2 at Lord's.
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