England v Pakistan: Day 5 - Third Test #RaiseTheBat Series
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: James Anderson (C) of England walks off with Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes after reaching 600 Test Match Wickets at close of play on Day Five of the 3rd #RaiseTheBat Test Match between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on August 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)
England v Pakistan: Day 5 - Third Test #RaiseTheBat Series

England great Michael Vaughan has called for veteran Jimmy Anderson to follow in the footsteps of Australian greats and call time on his career whilst still being at the top of his game.

Anderson has continued to be a critical member of England's attack this summer, being second only to Ollie Robinson for wickets for the touring side across the opening four Tests.

The 39-year-old claimed four wickets in the first innings of the Melbourne Test in what was seen as one of the most devastating spells by the Lancashire star.

Despite Anderson's wealth to England's XI, Vaughan has voiced his opinion that his former side can only move forward when Anderson decides to retire from international Test duties.

“England cannot move on, be a world force with Anderson at the helm,” Vaughan wrote in The Telegraph

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“I love watching Jimmy bowl. He is a poet with the ball in hand. He could still be England’s best bowler for another two years.

“Just because you can still perform does not mean you should keep going on and on. The team has to evolve.

“It is not about sacking Jimmy. It is about what is right for English cricket.”

Vaughan drew attention to the careers of Australian greats Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, who decided to hang up their baggy greens despite still being at the top of their respective games.

The former England captain also mentioned two of England's younger attacks in Saqib Mahmood and Olly Stone that should be handed the ball in the near future.

“Warne and Glenn McGrath retired with one or two years of high level cricket still left in them,” Vaughan continued.

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“Eke out every ounce of knowledge from Jimmy about how to bowl at this level and keep him involved but bowlers like Saqib Mahmood and Olly Stone need a run in the team."

England have been able to experiment with their tail this summer, offering caps to Robinson, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, all of whom have missed at least one Test.

Should Anderson call time on his illustrious career, he will leave the game as arguably the best pace bowler in Test history, having claimed 640 wickets - a feat no other fast bowler has reached.