Ravi Shastri’s Response to Ranchi Spectator’s James Anderson Retirement Poster: ‘Go on Long Holiday

Anderson gave England an early advantage on Day 2 of the Ranchi Test when he dismissed India skipper Rohit Sharma in the third over of the session. James Anderson is the cricket player who most embodies the saying “age is just a number,” or has done so. The 41-year-old fast bowler for England has remained a vital component of the Test team, taking wickets when the team needs them and shattering records whenever he feels like it. When Anderson made his debut, two of his current teammates, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, were not even born, while the youngest player in the Indian team, Yashasvi Jaiswal, was only a year old. Concerns regarding Anderson’s age and potential retirement from the game have long been voiced, but the seasoned bowler has always put a stop to the discussion, which only serves to highlight how dangerous he remains.

The videographer on Saturday captured a Ranchi spectator holding a poster on the right-arm bowler after Anderson had taken the new ball to begin the second innings of the fourth Test match against India, following England’s 353-run first innings. It stated, “I will start to study when James Anderson retires.” In a startling reaction, former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was watching from the commentary box, stated that the scene would not be happening anytime soon. “You must be patient, young man. Take a long vacation; you won’t be studying for long. It’s not going to happen anytime soon,” he declared.

Also Read: David Warner Ruled Out of New Zealand Tour, Expected to be fit for IPL

It wasn’t long before the hosts highlighted Anderson’s first-class tally of 1110 wickets in 294 games since his 2002 debut. Shastri held the great man of England in the utmost regard. “You have to respect and admire the person for his extraordinary longevity,” he remarked. It’s amazing to have lasted this long and still be playing at the highest level.” On Day 2 of the Ranchi Test, Anderson gave England an early advantage when he bowled India captain Rohit Sharma out for just two runs in the third over of the innings. With a delivery that was outside off, Rohit edged the ball forward, right at wicketkeeper Ben Foakes. Anderson removed Rohit for the fourth time, currently the second-most by a seamer after South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Rohit had made a century in the third Test match against England in Rajkot last week.