JIMMY Anderson "prays" that his England career isn't over. He pledged to "dig deeply" to win a Test recall.

After the Ashes disaster, Anderson and Stuart Broad, Anderson's strike partner, were both controversially expelled from next month’s West Indies tour.

Andrew Strauss, former skipper and acting managing direct, claimed that the pair with 1,177 Test wickets between themselves had been dropped "to allow the team move forward".

Anderson spoke for the first time since Strauss' "five-minute phone call" that informed him about the decision. Anderson promised to do all he can to prove that he isn't done at 39.

Anderson shared his thoughts with the Tailenders podcast, "I'm praying this isn't it."

"I believe I have one more chance to dig deep. Over the past 20 years, I have dug quite deep.

It is still a great game.

"Obviously, it was quite a surprise and disappointment to receive the call to inform me that I wasn't going.

"But, in the past two weeks, having dealt with it and chatting to a lot people, it's important that I now try to focus on the fact it is beyond my control.

"So I have to concentrate on things that I can control, and that's playing cricket with people and showing them what I can do using a ball in my hands."

Anderson took a swipe at Strauss in what seemed to be a direct attack on his former teammate. Anderson said: "There have also been quite a number of texts between me and Broady in particular. Getting some initial anger out.

"But once that was gone, it's all about trying to see what we can influence.

"It is likely that there will be a new director for cricket and a new head coach this summer. I hope that whatever decision is made it is discussed in the right way.

"Another frustrating thing for me over the past few weeks is that a quick phone call doesn’t resolve so much for you.

"It was a tough tour through Australia, but I was satisfied with how I bowled.

"Now, I just have to look at the summer and show people how I can help them.

"I feel that I still have the desire and hunger to bowl. I feel great and want to continue bowling."

Anderson noted that Anderson has defied all conventional wisdom by taking 160 Test wickets at an average 21.7, as opposed to his first 480 scalps which were at a cost 28.2 each.

He stated, "In the past two, three, and four years, I've gotten better.

"Since turning 35, my record has gotten even better so I know that I'm not losing anything or slowing down. I don't feel that I'm losing any speed.

"As long I'm bowling well, all I can focus on is Lancashire and the beginning of the season. I want to bowl as good as possible for them."