Jimmy Anderson deserved a much better ending than this... the England great should have been able to depart on his own terms and he has every right to be frustrated, writes DAVID LLOYD

Jimmy Anderson deserved to be treated better than this.

The end comes to us all in the sporting sphere, but his career was on a level that should have resulted in a departure on his own terms.

At the age of 41, it was indisputable that his playing days were dwindling.

But following the talks that took place recently with England coach Brendon McCullum on his future, our Jimmy should have been allowed to announce the news himself.

His career, his standing in the game and his personality merited that opportunity.

Not only has Anderson been a shining light in cricket and carried the Test attack alongside Stuart Broad for 15 years, he has also been a great ambassador for sport in our country.

When a situation like this arises, when a great performer’s contributions on the field are coming to an end, it should be met by a celebration, not a throwaway line.

Knowing Jimmy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s more than a little bit miffed having to follow up the revelation that he was being phased out with confirmation that the opening match of the English Test summer against West Indies at Lord’s will be his au revoir.

Everyone will fully understand that teams have to move on at some stage, and not so long ago the county game said goodbye to an absolute gem in Darren Stevens — a cricketer who was still performing well into his 40s.

Equally, Jimmy has set the highest standards for 20-odd years, and for that reason he will go down as one of the greatest of all time in Test cricket.

Some will question if he could have gone on longer — and you have to consider that he’s still fit and performing well enough to justify his place in England’s Test team.

I was with a friend earlier this week who said that Anderson had lost a yard of pace.

It caused me to jump in with: ‘Where did you get that from?’ He absolutely has not.

His pace remains consistent, these days being somewhere between 82-84 miles per hour, significantly quicker than 78mph — the speed at which the rest of the Lancashire attack bowl.

Make no mistake, Anderson is certainly quick enough for his style of bowling, which is all about movement and accuracy.

What you want partnered with someone like him is Jofra Archer steaming in at the other end, frightening the living daylights out of opponents.

Together they would make a really good combination.

Like the best bowlers through history, Anderson has modified his bowling as time has passed.

Australia’s Glenn McGrath and Shaun Pollock of South Africa are two relatively modern examples of bowlers who like him, were quick when they first burst on the scene, but later throttled back, making the most of other attributes.

In terms of his career, he started off as the Sex Pistols, but ended up like the Rolling Stones.

And after providing us with so many great memories, he should have been able to call the final tune.