On James Anderson’s final day in Test cricket, the 41-year-old experienced a rollercoaster of emotions between a guard of honor to welcome him to the pitch and another to tell him farewell.
Anderson, the swing master, demonstrated that he still had some gas left in the tank after picking up 3 for 32. He collaborated with 26-year-old debutant Gus Atkinson to bowl England to a comfortable victory against the West Indies in the Lord’s Test.
At the end of it, an emotional James Anderson was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support and adulation. He received from all sides as he finished his career with 704 Test wickets.
Reflecting on James Anderson’s Long Career
Third among leading wicket-takers in Test cricket and the highest among pace bowlers. James Anderson headed into the sunset at the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe.
“It’s been a wonderful week. I’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction of the fans, everyone on the field, and the lads as well. I’m just proud of what I’ve accomplished,” Anderson said to Sky Cricket after England won by an innings in three days.
“This morning was emotional with the two teams lined up, and the crowd reaction was really remarkable. I’m still struggling to hold back tears. I am incredibly proud.” To play for 21 years and continue bowling as well as he did at 41 with few injuries is an amazing feat in and of itself, and James Anderson recognized it.
“Playing for 20 years is a huge commitment, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m glad I’ve gotten this far. Playing for England is the best job in the world, and I’ve had the privilege of doing so for a long time.”
“I’m still gutted to have dropped that catch, to be honest,” acknowledged Anderson, before applauding England’s debutants for doing the majority of the work in their easy triumph. “Gus was fantastic this week on his debut, as was Jamie Smith. Incredible.
Seeing the guys go out there and show off their talent, and then getting to sit in here after a win and enjoy those types of performances together is a fantastic experience that I’ll definitely forget.”
Anderson’s Emotional Farewell
James Anderson’s emotional farewell began on the first day when his daughters rang the bell. He continued with a guard of honor from both teams to send him out. And culminated with the veteran receiving a commemorative painting of his 700th Test wicket from the ECB. As well as a special ice bucket.
“We talk a lot in the dressing room about making memories, and it’s not just for us; it’s for our families as well. They travel alongside you. I’ve spent a lot of time away from home touring and doing other things, and they’ve been amazing supporters back home, allowing me to perform as long as I have.
“I’m grateful for what they’ve done for me, and I’m also grateful that they were able to be a part of this week,” a teary James Anderson added.
Anderson has yet to decide on his future intentions, but he will continue with the club as a bowling mentor for the remainder of the summer. “I plan to spend the rest of the summer with these men.
I’ll try to support the bowling club as much as I can, and we’ll see where life takes us after that. I haven’t looked ahead that far.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, lauded James Anderson as an inspiration for future players. “The number of games and wickets he’s taken are absolutely phenomenal,” Stokes told Sky Cricket.
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