James Anderson: England bowler 'praying' his career is not over after being dropped for West Indies tour

England's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson says he is «praying» his international career is not over after being dropped for the West Indies tour.

Both Anderson, 39, and Stuart Broad, 35, were left out of the squad for the three-Test tour in March.

Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, Anderson, who has taken 640 wickets in 169 Tests, said it was a «shock» and he felt «frustration and anger» initially.

«I'm praying this isn't the end,» he said.

«But if I never play for England again, I know I've got amazing people around me to support me and that's really important.»

Seam bowler Anderson said he is determined to impress with Lancashire when the County Championship starts in April and regain his England place this summer.

«I've got one more go at digging deep,» he said.

«I've got a lot left to offer — I've still got the hunger and passion to play

»It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it's important I try to focus on stuff I can control and that's showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand."

England's interim managing director Andrew Strauss said the decision to drop Anderson and Broad «does not mean the end» of their international careers.

Broad, who is England's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 in 152 matches, said in a column for the Daily Mail that the decision had left him «confused and angrier with each passing day».

Anderson said the two had exchanged texts in which they got «some initial frustration and anger out».

He added that «another frustration» was that a «five minute phone call» with Strauss in which he learned he was dropped did not «really clear much up».

During England's heavy 4-0 defeat in the Ashes this winter, Anderson took eights wickets in three