Ashes 2021-22: James Anderson hits back at Michael Vaughan over retirement comment

The ongoing Ashes 2021-22 have been nothing short of chaotic for England. Despite all the hype, the Poms were far from impressive and meekly surrendered in three out of the four Tests in the series.

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Despite their poor performance, the veteran English pacer James Anderson was still picking wickets for them and is their team's second-highest wicket-taker of the series so far. However, Michael Vaughan had recently said that the bowling legend and England's most prolific bowler should be eased out of the side following the Ashes.

"Managing Jimmy’s retirement is going to be key to this team moving forward. His future is the big elephant in the room," said Michael Vaughan, as quoted by Metro UK.

However, the 39-year-old has now hit back at the former English captain and insisted that his captain and coach want him to carry on. "I read that my future is the “elephant in the room”. It is not the elephant in the room because the captain and coach know exactly what my thoughts are on it. They have told me their thoughts too. They want me around and to carry on. As long as that is the case, it is not an elephant in any room," wrote in a column for the Daily Telegraph.

It is to be noted that in all likelihood, this is going to be the bowler's last Ashes series. Anderson also said that the ECB will take a look at everyone's future throughout the series. However, he did say that he would love to continue and that he still has a lot to offer.

"The ECB will look at everyone’s performance throughout the tour. In that respect nobody is certain about their future whether it is the captain, coach, top six batsmen or the bowling attack. Everyone is under scrutiny. For me, if I have the chance to play I will do my best and keep having conversations. I will keep talking to whoever about my future. I feel I can still offer something to this team and hopefully, I will get the chance to do so," he added.