ECB Should Appoint James Anderson Fast Bowling Coach Immediately After Retirement, Opines Graeme Swann

New Delhi: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) should appoint legendary James Anderson the bowling coach of the national team soon after his retirement from the game, felt former spinner Greame Swann. The 45-year-old, who has shared the same dressing room with Anderson, also urged the ECB to not let Anderson drift into the media after his retirement in July after the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, starting from July 10.

The 41-year-old, who became the first pacer and third overall to reach 700 Test wickets, announced his retirement earlier in the month, thus bringing down curtains to a 22-year-old illustrious international career that started in 2002. Although he retired from white-ball cricket in 2015, Anderson continued to play the longest format, becoming an inspiration through his fitness even after the age of 40.

“He is been a long time coming. He is supposed to retire five years ago (laughs),” Swann told on Thursday on the sidelines of the launch event of Legends Intercontinental T20 League. “He is like a wind-up toy. Jimmy’s being brilliant. He is the best bowler we have ever produced – spin or seam. His longevity is a testament to how fit he is, how dedicated he has been,” he added.

Swann, who represented England for over a decade, also felt that the best time to make someone a coach is as soon as they retire. “He has taken so many wickets and as a fast bowler to do it is mind blowing. I hope England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appoint him the coach immediately, especially for the fast bowlers and don’t let him drift in the media.

“Players as soon as they finish, that’s the best time to have them as a coach. Jimmy knows the game inside-out. From my experience, five years into the media, you have revive the game, rediscover the game. England should immediately appoint him the bowling coach,” added Swann. Former cricketer Neil Killeen is currently England’s bowling coach.