James Anderson still has ‘hunger and passion’ as he hopes for England recall

James Anderson admitted he is “praying” his record-breaking England career is not over following his controversial omission from the upcoming Test tour of the West Indies.

Anderson and Stuart Broad, placed first and second in the list of England’s all-time leading Test wicket-takers, both found themselves surplus to requirements for next month’s three-match series in the Caribbean.

The decision, made by a selection panel headed up by interim director of cricket Sir Andrew Strauss, bemused many observers and Broad revealed in his Mail on Sunday column that he struggled to sleep in the days afterwards.

But Anderson, who like Broad hit out at having just a short telephone conversation with Strauss explaining his exclusion from the tour, insisted there was no thought of retirement despite turning 40 this July.

“It’s been a weird couple of weeks,” Anderson said on the BBC Tailenders podcast. “I’ve just been trying to process what’s gone on. Obviously it was a bit of a shock and a disappointment to get that call to say I am not going.

“There’s been quite a few texts between myself and Broady in particular, getting some initial frustration and anger out but I think once that was gone, it’s really now trying to look to stuff we can affect.

“I still feel like I’ve got the hunger and passion to play. I feel in great shape, I just want to keep bowling.

“I’m praying this isn’t the end but if I never play for England again, I know I’ve got amazing people around me to support me. I’ve now got to try to focus on stuff that I can control and that’s playing cricket.”

England captain Joe Root was not part of the selection panel and shied away from whether he agreed with Anderson and Broad being left out, echoing Strauss’ assertion that