Former England allrounder David Lloyd has criticised the England Cricket Board (ECB), claiming that arguably England’s greatest bowler ever, James Anderson, was forced to retire due to his age, which he believes was unnecessary. Writing in his column for Daily Mail, he argued that in an era of inclusivity, age should not prevent people from working. Anderson retired following the conclusion of the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England on July 12 (Friday).

James Anderson, 41, retired on July 12, following the first Test of the ongoing England vs West Indies series, after a career spanning over 21 years and amassing a record 704 Test wickets. 

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David Lloyd Criticizes ECB’s Decision To Force Out Anderson Due To Age

David Lloyd criticised the decision to force out Jimmy Anderson, despite him still showcasing all the wicket-taking abilities. Lloyd argued that Anderson’s departure was unnecessary and driven by age discrimination, especially given the focus on inclusivity. 

“So, it’s farewell to one of the greatest. The sad thing about Jimmy Anderson’s departure is that he’s bowling as well as ever. Accuracy, pace, stamina – he’s shown all those qualities and he’s still taking wickets. They say they are moving him on with next year’s Ashes in mind. I say, pick your best team. He was forced out because of his age,” Lloyd wrote in his column for Daily Mail.

“In this era of inclusivity, it takes the biscuit that someone has been stopped for that reason,” Lloyd added in his column.

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The legendary pacer reportedly had discussions with England head coach Brendon McCullum, who informed him of the team’s plans to rebuild in preparation for the Ashes in Australia later this year. Even before his final Test match at Lord’s, Anderson stated at the pre-match press conference that he was bowling as well as ever.