Part of a 55-man group that has been asked by the ECB to resume training for cricket's potential bio-secure return in July via the Test series against West Indies, pacer James Anderson says break due to COVID-19 pandemic could help extend his career playing for England by another year or two.
Anderson's time away from the game has been longer than a lot of his teammates, as he had injured his rib and returned mid-way from the tour of South Africa in January.
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Facing the Proteas, England's highest Test wicket-taker, had also became the only fast bowler in the history of the game to have played 150 Tests.
With injuries taking their toll in the last three-four years, speculations have been rife over the man's retirement for a while now.
But the 37-year-old is as hungry for wickets as ever.
"The break could just add on a year or two at the end of my career," Anderson said on the Tailenders podcast.
"I’ve really enjoyed being back; and as odd as it is just bowling into a net with not many people around, it’s still nice to be back and playing cricket."
Anderson's teammate, wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, also said the break has certainly helped England cricketers recharge their batteries, which could prove beneficial in the long run when on-field action resumes.
The ECB, having got the nod from UK government, is hoping to finally kickstart the international summer via the three-Test series against West Indies and then versus Pakistan. Australia and Ireland are also due to arrive for limited-overs fixtures.
All games will be played in empty stadiums for the time being.
Anderson is hoping the board will ensure there is crowd simulation in place for the players to feel at home.
"I’ve been watching the rugby league in Australia (with simulation) and I actually thought there was a crowd watching," he said.
"I thought it worked. It was nice to have that sort of atmosphere even though there was no one there."
(Inputs from Reuters)
