Anderson breaks silence as Ashes rival backs him
Anderson was sensationally axed from England's Test squad for next month's series against the West Indies and the 39-year-old remains hopeful that it does not mean it’s the end of his career.
While Anderson said he was initially in "shock" and felt "frustration and anger" at the news of his axing, the veteran right-armer with 640 Test wickets to his name is determined to win back his spot.
"I'm praying this isn't the end," Anderson said on BBC's Tailenders podcast.
"I've got one more go at digging deep.
"I've got a lot left to offer - I've still got the hunger and passion to play
"It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it's important I try to focus on stuff I can control and that's showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand."
Shane Watson throws support behind English duo | The ICC Review
And Watson has gone into bat for his former Ashes rival, admitting he was puzzled both Anderson and Stuart Broad were overlooked by English selectors for the tour of the Caribbean.
The duo are England’s most successful fast bowling duo of all time with more than 1,100 Test scalps between them and Watson said it was an incorrect decision to leave the experienced pair at home.
"I can see why English cricket and selectors were a little bit frustrated they weren't able to have the same impact from a bowling perspective as the Australians did during the recent Ashes series," Watson said recently on the ICC Review show.
"But are the next breed of English bowlers coming through better than Broad and Anderson right now?
"In my eyes, no. So, I would have been picking them (for the West Indies)."
Anderson has vowed to put his best foot forward for Lancashire when the County Championship gets underway in April, with the hope of winning back his Test spot in time for England's three-match series against New Zealand that starts in June.
And Watson has implored England selectors to decide what the future holds for Anderson and Broad as soon as feasibly possible, to ensure they receive the plaudits they deserve.
"Hopefully they sort it out quickly because the last thing you want is players in the calibre of Broad and Anderson having to retire off their own accord and not finish off on their own terms," he said.
"They have certainly been so good to warrant a proper send off."