England legend Jimmy Anderson ‘will step away from international cricket this summer – after Brendon McCullum flew to the UK to tell him he is NOT in his plans’

Jimmy Anderson’s legendary England career will reportedly end this summer after Brendon McCullum informed him he is not part of his vision, as per the Guardian. 

McCullum, England’s head coach, flew from the New Zealand to the UK to meet Anderson and tell him that he is focusing on the future. 

England will this summer have six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka, including a match at Old Trafford, Anderson’s home ground.  

Anderson, 41, is celebrated as one of the game’s greatest bowlers ever.

His record of taking 700 wickets is the most by a pace bowler in Test cricket history. 

The England head coach flew to the UK from New Zealand to tell Anderson that he is not in his plans 

McCullum’s goal is to build a seam attack for the next Ashes series, which will take place in Australia between November 2025 and January 2026.

By that time, Anderson will be 43. He is the oldest cricketer playing at Test level for the Three Lions at the moment. 

Anderson’s longevity has been remarkable and he goes to great lenghts to ensure he is in supreme form. 

The Burnley-born legend made his international debut in May 2003 against Zimbabwe and has racked up 187 appearances in the white. 

His latest career embellishment was that 700th wicket, the scalp of India’s Kuldeep Yadav taken in March. 

‘It is a superb achievement,’ said Sir Alastair Cook on TNT Sports.

‘His hunger to get better and win games of cricket for England is unbelievable. The physical challenges he has overcome to be able to play nearly 190 Test matches is a joke and his skill is a joke.’

England captain Ben Stokes had actually backed Anderson to make the next Ashes. 

His remarkable Three Lions career has seen him take a record 700 Test wickets and play 187 times

‘He’s had an amazing career and I just can’t see him stopping,’ Stokes said earlier this year. 

‘I have played with Jimmy for a long time and I’ve never seen him as physically fit as he is now. Showing hunger and desire at 41 to get better every single day is testament to his attitude and commitment to the game.’

His storied career has seen him compete in all 10 Ashes series since 2006-07, winning four. 

Nobody has featured in more Test matches for England and only Sachin Tendulkar has made more appearances for any nation. 

There were fears his England days were numbered back in 2022 when he was dropped for the West Indies tour but he bounced back, regaining his place later that year. 

While his cricket has taken him across the globe, he still has some time to be an avid Burnley fan.

More to follow.