"I’m not full-time with England, I’m a consultant" - James Anderson responds to criticism of his absence on the eve of 1st ENG vs PAK Test 2024

Former England pacer and bowling consultant James Anderson clarified that he is not a full-time support staff member with the side in the wake of criticism over his absence on the eve of the first Pakistan Test at Multan. The 42-year-old retired after the first Test of England's home series against the West Indies and has since been with the squad as their bowling consultant.

However, he participated in a professional golf tournament in Scotland from October 3 to 6 with the first Test set to begin on October 7. Anderson was not with the team on Day 1 and joined them on the second day.

Addressing the criticism regarding the same, Anderson said to BBC:

"I didn’t accept that invitation (Golf tournament) before speaking to Baz about it. I’m not full-time with England, I’m a consultant. He didn’t see an issue with it. I was still in contact with the bowlers and in the end it didn’t really matter that I wasn’t here. I thought we bowled really well. I’m lucky that Baz is such an understanding fella."

He added:

"The last few tours I went on we didn’t have a bowling coach. It is good for the lads to take some responsibility. In the end it didn’t matter did it?"

The England bowlers struggled on Day 1 as Pakistan finished on 328/4 at stumps. The hosts continued their impressive first innings display on Day 2, finishing at 556.

However, things went downhill for Pakistan as England piled on a massive 823/7 declared in their first essay and bowled the hosts out for 220 in their second innings to complete a sensational win by an innings and 47 runs.

"I still have the urge to get a ball in my hand" - James Anderson

James Anderson confirmed his desire to return to playing cricket but was not sure where and for whom.

The 42-year-old walked away from international cricket after a stellar 22-year career with match figures of 4/58 in his final outing - the first Test against the West Indies.

"I have got a couple of months to make a call on what I do next year but in my head I would like to. I still feel fit, I still have the urge to get a ball in my hand, so I would like to give it a go. If anyone will take me is a different question altogether. There definitely is for me. Whether someone else would like to scratch that itch for me is another question. I do miss it and I do feel like I enjoy coming to the nets and getting the ball in my hand," said Anderson in the aforementioned interview.

Anderson finished his career as the third-leading wicket-taker in Tests with 704 scalps in 188 matches.