Two England stars waiting in the wings as Jimmy Anderson poised to say farewell

There has been no official confirmation, no nudge, no wink or whispered hint from those close. But the possibility that Sunday could be the final day of Test cricket for Jimmy Anderson remains floating. Out there, maybe unspoken but out there nonetheless.

England’s Test tour to India in January next year remains a long way off for a fast bowler who will be 41 at the end of this month. And after three battling but difficult efforts in this series which have yielded four wickets at 76.75 a piece, even the Oval next Thursday could be a step too far.

If this is to be Anderson’s last day there could be no more fitting stage than in front of his own adoring fans for England’s greatest ever wicket-taker. Bowling from the end which bears his name, Anderson charging in and prising out the final Australian wicket in gathering gloom with a delivery to spare to square the series.

And yet Anderson made it clear to friends before this Ashes that this was not the end as far as he was concerned, that he was not looking for a glorious exit. He insisted he was simply enjoying still being in the dressing room and still competing – he may not have the wickets but his bowling has still been England’s most economical.

And more than anything just enjoying every moment, a feeling heightened no doubt by the knowledge he is nearing the end. Anderson has shown in his delight in others’ successes as well as the triumphs of the squad collectively that his words are genuine.

While the smile may have been rueful on occasions but it has been ever-present. There were six overs delivered yesterday – one then five from the Brian Statham End – and while it was tidy enough going for 13, there was to be no wicket.

Anderson has been down on the pace which he hit in his prime and while his skill with the ball remains, that drop seems to have given his opponents more time to react. With Ollie Robinson reportedly fit for selection for The Oval and Josh Tongue having shown his fire with 5-29 for Worcestershire against Leicestershire, England could rest Anderson for the final Test.

Much will depend on what happens on Sunday afternoon and the ability of Mark Wood to hit his straps in back-to-back Tests but a glorious career is nearing its end. Anderson will have from August to December to keep himself fit, do some commentary and podcasts and, who knows, maybe dance to a different swing in Strictly Come Dancing.

You would not rule it out any more than you would rule out him finally stepping on to the biggest stage and hauling England level with a piece of brilliance. Either way he will go with England’s best wishes whether it is a final farewell or until we meet again.