England told to “move on” from Anderson after Ashes defeat by Vaughan

James Anderson is still at the top of his game at the age of 39, but Michael Vaughan believes it is time for England to move on

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Michael Vaughan believes England should “move on” from James Anderson in the wake of yet another disappointing Ashes defeat in Australia.

England are 3-0 down in the series and only avoided a potential 5-0 whitewash by earning a draw in the fourth Test in Sydney, with Anderson safely batting out the final over.

Despite England’s struggles, Anderson has enjoyed an impressive tour, taking eight wickets at an average of 23.37 in three appearances.

Last year, Anderson finished with the fourth most Test wickets, taking 39 at an average of 21.74, and bowled a remarkable 399.5 overs – more than anyone else.

Despite admitting that the 39-year-old “could still be England’s best bowler for another two years”, Vaughan has claimed England “cannot be a world force with Anderson at the helm”.

In his latest column for the Telegraph, Vaughan said: “Managing Jimmy’s retirement is going to be key to this team moving forward. His future is the big elephant in the room.

“England cannot move on and be a world force with Anderson at the helm. I love watching Jimmy bowl. He is a poet with the ball in hand. He could still be England’s best bowler for another two years.

“Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath retired with one or two years of high level cricket still left in them. Just because you can still perform does not mean you should keep going on and on.

“The last three Ashes series in Australia have been 5-0, 4-0, and 3-0 with one to play. The team has to evolve.

“It is not about sacking Jimmy. It is about what is right for English cricket. The right thing is to transition, but do it respectfully.

“You can only do that by having strong conversations with Jimmy about what is going to happen.”

Anderson, however, insists he wants to continue playing for England and “would love” to be part of their next Test series against the West Indies in March.

“Unfortunately I have been on a few tours that have not ended well in Australia,” he wrote in his column for the Telegraph.

“There is always an air of uncertainty when you lose convincingly so who knows what the future will hold.

“It is natural you start thinking about what happens next but the message from the chats I’ve had with the captain and senior players around me is to keep going.

“Personally, even in these challenging times, I feel in a really good place with my bowling, and have done for a while. I will have to wait and see but I have no intention of finishing.

“I just want to keep working hard and I would love to be part of the West Indies tour in March. I see that as my next challenge.

“I still get enjoyment out of bowling. I still love playing for England. I feel like I can actually help this team move forward. For me, that is why I keep going.”