England cricket great James Anderson is sad at how his long-standing career at Lancashire has come to an anti-climactic end but at the age of 44, he's not letting on yet whether his brilliant career is over.
The veteran paceman made clear his dismay on Sunday after the county decided not to renew his contract, bringing an end to a link-up that's lasted a quarter-of-a-century between England's record Test wicket-taker and his home county.
Anderson, who claimed 704 Test wickets, will now leave Lancashire as the Red Rose have decided it's time to move on from a player who'll turn 45 in the heart of next summer's program.
They're also rebuilding their squad for a promotion push from the second division of the county championship.
But Anderson is still bowling absurdly well for someone at 44 and while there are other counties clearly ready to take a punt on him, the real question remains whether he wants to carry on pushing his body in this most gruelling of professions.
On Sunday, he made his first public comments about the end of his Lancashire era, writing on Instagram: "If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this, but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future."
What he didn't say was what his next move would be.
"I've supported Lancashire since I was a kid, and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true," Anderson reflected.
"I have always found it special walking out to play at Old Trafford and have some incredible memories of doing so including the honour of being captain.
"If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future."
Last season, Anderson, appointed Lancashire's red-ball captain for the first time, took 50 wickets at an average of 17.68, and it's understood other counties are interested in signing someone who would also be an attractive option as a coach after his bowling was done.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who's been an admirer since overseeing a young Anderson on the Australia tour in 2002, felt the veteran had been treated poorly by Lancashire.
In his Sky Sports column, Hussain said: "I can’t believe that he’s going to be treated like this and he deserves a bit better.
“I’d say most counties in the country would take Anderson, even at the age of 44. When I watched clips of him this summer, he still had that magic about him and the hunger. His skill is just incredible."
