LANCASHIRE fast bowler Jimmy Anderson has revealed an unexpected ambition to captain England.
The 27-year-old spoke of his disappointment at being passed over as vice-captain to Andrew Strauss when England instead nominated opening batsman Alastair Cook for that role earlier this year.
Should Anderson ever lead England in a Test match, he is likely to become the first specialist fast-bowling captain since Bob Willis did the job more than 25 years ago.
“It’s something I’d like to do – to be captain,” he said.
“But, as a fast bowler, and from the north as well, I suppose I’m very unlikely to get a look-in.
The second criterion need not rule Anderson out of captaining his country – fellow Lancastrian Michael Atherton did so in more than 50 Tests, as did Yorkshire’s Michael Vaughan.
“I’m gutted that I didn’t get the vice-captaincy, actually,” Anderson admitted.
“It wasn’t even mentioned to me, but I’d like the chance one day. I’ve been a captain in junior cricket in years gone by.”
