Ben Stokes signals James Anderson's possible role in Ashes 2025

James Anderson played his final game for England on July 12, leading the team to a convincing victory against the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs at Lord’s. In his farewell match, Anderson took one wicket in the first innings and three in the second. Fans hoped he would take the final wicket, but he dropped a catch off his own bowling. Despite this, he was happy to see Gus Atkinson claim the last wicket.

Even though Anderson has retired from playing, he will continue to travel with the team as a mentor for the next two Tests against the West Indies. England captain Ben Stokes hinted that Anderson could take on a larger role in the future, especially for the Ashes 2025 series.

"Yeah, definitely. That’s why we’re asking him to stay around. If he’s got the desire to help bowlers progress like he did with his own career, honestly I can’t think of a better person to able to influence all the fast bowlers. I’m really excited to see how that goes,” said Stokes as quoted by Daily Mail. 

Anderson himself stated that he won't focus on teaching specific techniques. Instead, he wants to be a supportive presence for the bowlers. 

“I’m definitely not going to tell someone how to bowl. I’ll be a sounding board - I’ll be there if they need me. I’ll watch every ball they bowl and try to help them as much as I can," Anderson said.

Anderson concluded his international career with impressive stats: 188 Tests and 704 wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers and third overall in Test history. Only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have more wickets.

After the match, Anderson stood on the balcony of Lord’s, the same place where he made his debut, and raised a toast to celebrate his remarkable career.