James Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket, will retire after the Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s. After retiring, he will join England’s coaching staff as a fast-bowling mentor.

At 41, Anderson is ending his long international career because England has decided to move forward without him. Rob Key, the managing director of England Cricket, highlighted Anderson’s value. “He has so much to offer English cricket. We don’t want to lose that,” said Key. “When we asked him, he was keen. He will have many options. English cricket would be lucky if he stays involved.”

Anderson current playing status and future with Lancashire

James Anderson will join the England staff as a fast-bowling mentor immediately after the retirement. pic.twitter.com/RoqaxVT9aZ

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Anderson, who has taken 700 Test wickets, is currently playing for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship at Southport. His future with Lancashire is uncertain, but Key confirmed that Anderson will be with the England team “all summer.” “What he does with Lancashire will be decided after the Lord’s Test,” Key added. “We need to discuss what he thinks is best. So far, everything has been focused on this Test match.”

For the series against the West Indies, England has named a fresh-looking squad for the first two of the three Tests. Nottinghamshire pace bowler Dillon Pennington and Surrey’s Gus Atkinson, who has been in a Test squad but hasn’t played, have been called up. Ollie Robinson has been left out, and Mark Wood will miss the start of the series after the T20 World Cup.

In a surprising move, uncapped Jamie Smith will keep wicket instead of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Shoaib Bashir replaces his Somerset teammate Jack Leach as the main spinner.

“Sometimes you select players for their potential and where you think they can progress,” said Key, a former England batter. “This is just the beginning for Jamie Smith. We believe he will be a fantastic international cricketer.”

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