Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, held talks in April with Test coach Brendon McCullum, captain Ben Stokes and managing director Rob Key.
The hierarchy’s decision to move on from Anderson is partly fuelled by a desire to plan for the next tour of Australia, in the winter of 2025-26, when Anderson will be 43.
Off-spinner Lyon sits seventh on the list of leading Test wicket-takers, four places behind Anderson, and the two have played against each other in 22 Ashes matches.
“My care factor for England is pretty low, but I was pretty surprised when I did read that they tapped him on the shoulder,” added Lyon.
“I look at James and what he’s been able to do for England cricket, it’s pretty remarkable. This is just my opinion – I still think he would be England’s best bowler.”
Travis Head scored a stunning unbeaten 154 as Australia claimed a convincing seven-wicket win over England in the first one-day international at Trent Bridge.Af
England have selected a group with mixed experience for their first 50-over assignment since Matthew Mott’s resignation, starting the process of transition fo
Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this feature6th over: England 30-0 (Salt 16, Duckett 13) Ricky Ponting, you’ll be unsurprised t
Ben Dwarshuis of Australia celebrates bowling Phil Salt (Getty Images)Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to