James Anderson eager to make Test return under Ben Stokes – Stuart and I were hoping our careers weren't over
India Today
James Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped from the England team for the three-match Test against the West Indies earlier this year.
Veteran fast bowler James Anderson reckoned he and Stuart Broad have every chance of making a comeback for England after Ben Stokes’ appointment as the Test skipper. Earlier, Joe Root stepped down as the captain of the Three Lions, following which Stokes was appointed to lead them.
Stokes was named the captain after England managed to secure only a solitary victory in their last 17 Tests. As far as Anderson and Broad are concerned, they were dropped from the Brits’ tour of West Indies despite being two of the leading wicket-takers in the history of Test cricket.
The legendary duo were left out after England’s horror run in the 2021-22 Ashes where they lost the five-match Test series to Australia 0-4. They were also on the verge of losing the fourth Test in Sydney before their 10th wicket pair saved them in their second innings on the fifth day.
"Stuart and I were hoping our careers weren't over. So it's nice to hear there's a chance," Anderson was quoted as saying to BBC.
The fast bowling pair is currently playing in the ongoing edition of the County Championship. While Anderson is plying his trade for Lancashire, Broad is representing Worcestershire. Anderson said that performing on a consistent basis on the domestic circuit can help them get their spots back in the England national team.
"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 11. 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," he added.
After losing the away Test series 1-2 at the hands of West Indies, England are next scheduled to play Test cricket in June at home against New Zealand.
