England Test coach Brendon McCullum believes veteran seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad "have still got a lot to offer in the next few years" and hopes they will not be retiring anytime soon
The pair were controversially dropped for the tour of the West Indies in March, but were immediately recalled this summer and have been absolutely outstanding. Anderson has picked up 27 wickets at an average of 17.66, while Broad has taken 29 at 27.17.
At the age of 40, Anderson says he has "smiled more than I ever have on a cricket field" this summer, while captain Ben Stokes has revealed the duo have their "eyes set" on next year's Ashes.
Speaking to BBC Test Match Special after England wrapped up a 2-1 series win over South Africa, McCullum said of Anderson and Broad: "They are smiling as well, which is nice to see. They are quite incredible humans really.
"For them to still have that desire and determination to not just get better and perform for themselves but also to pass on information to give other guys freedom in the changing room and in the fight and competition makes them pretty unique characters.
"I think those guys have still got a lot to offer in the next few years and hopefully that is where their head is at as well because they are two of the all-time greats.
McCullum also said it has been "an absolute thrill" coaching England so far and that the current group of players are better than he expected. "My job at the start of the summer was to softly get to know these guys and work out what makes them tick and where they see themselves, not just this summer but moving forward," he added.
"That is a process that will continue but I've just enjoyed getting to know them all and I thought English cricket had a lot of talent but it's got a lot more than I thought. I knew these guys were good but they are a lot better than I thought.
"It is a very privileged position to be in to go and help these guys go out and there and perform. It has been an absolute thrill."
