James Anderson to continue as England bowling consultant for Pakistan, New Zealand tours

Former England fast bowler James Anderson will remain as the bowling consultant for the England men’s team until their tours of Pakistan and New Zealand later this year. 

Anderson, the only fast bowler to have taken over 700 Test wickets, retired from international cricket earlier this year following the Lord’s Test against the West Indies.

Immediately after his retirement, Anderson transitioned into a coaching role, joining the England squad as a bowling mentor. Reflecting on his new position, the legendary pacer admitted he is still adjusting to the challenges of coaching and is unsure about his long-term future in this role.

Speaking ahead of England’s third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval in London, Anderson said, "At the minute, I'm due to go to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter. Then nothing concrete after that,” Anderson said.

"I'm very new to this, I'm still learning as we go. It's partly me trying to figure out if this is where I want to go with the next stage of my career and also for them to figure out if I'm any good at it as well,” he  added.

Since Anderson's retirement, rising stars like Josh Hull and Gus Atkinson have stepped into the fast bowling lineup. Atkinson made his debut in Anderson’s farewell Test and has already claimed three five-wicket hauls, all at Lord’s. 

Meanwhile, Hull made his debut in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, joining an attack that also features Atkinson, Olly Stone, and the experienced Chris Woakes.

Another setback for the Three Lions as right-arm pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and New Zealand due to injury. 

Pakistan and England are set to clash in a three-match Test series this October, followed by England taking on New Zealand in a three-match Test series scheduled for November-December.