“I am very much surprised” Australia’s Nathan Lyon On James Anderson’s Retirement

Legendary Australian spinner Nathan Lyon expressed surprise at the retirement of England’s veteran pace bowler James Anderson, praising him as the “best ever” fast bowler in cricket history. James Anderson’s retirement news shocks Australia’s Nathan Lyon.

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Anderson is set to play his final international match on July 10 against the West Indies. In a recent game, he showcased his exceptional skills by taking seven wickets against Nottinghamshire, which led to a follow-on. This performance highlighted his enduring prowess and served as a warning to his upcoming opponents.

“He is class” Nathan Lyon on his Lancashire teammate

While Nathan Lyon and Jimmy Anderson are on two different teams for international cricket, both play for the same county. Lyon and Anderson are both bowlers for Lancashire. Speaking on the Lancashire Cricket Website after Anderson’s spell,

“He (Anderson) showed his class. No disrespect to the other bowlers in this game but you can see the class of Jimmy and the extra zip he gets off the wicket.” Lyon said.

“I have said this before, I am very much surprised that England have tapped him on the shoulder. He is class, he is world-class. He’s probably the best to ever play the game as a fast bowler and his skillset, especially in England, is remarkable.” He added.

Why it’s awkward for Nathen Lyon to play alongside Jimmy Anderson

Lyon admitted that during the game, it was weird to encourage Anderson. James Anderson, being from England his arch-rival in international cricket. It was awkward for Lyon to address him during the County Championship as a teammate.

“I have obviously seen it on the other side. We had a little moment when we said it feels a bit sick for me to say “Come on Jimmy” and him saying “nice Garry”.

That was a bit different but it is the beauty of county cricket I guess and it is pretty special to play with arguably the greatest bowler to ever play the game,” he said.

Here’s what England’s managing director Rob Key has to say on the retirement

Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket team, confirmed that veteran pacer James Anderson will remain involved with the team as a mentor following his retirement from international cricket.

With Anderson’s final Test match scheduled for July 10 at Lord’s, all eyes are on his last appearance in Test colors. However, Key assured fans that Anderson will continue to be part of the squad throughout the summer in his new mentoring role.

“Jimmy will continue in our set-up, and he will help as a bit more of a mentor. We’re trying to set up an elite coach development programme, which Jimmy wants to do, but we will have a look at the end of the summer,” Key said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

“It might be something that he does not enjoy, or it might be something that he absolutely loves. But he has got so much to offer English cricket, so we do not want to see that go. But it is going to be quite an occasion with him bowing out at Lord’s,” he added.

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