James Anderson, England All-time Great pace bowler, announced his retirement from International Cricket post Lord’s Test this Summer. There have been speculations that he would retire post this English Summer. News sources have also stated that England coach Brendon McCullum had a chat with him about his future and how the team would like to move on, over a golf match.
Brendon McCullum apparently told James Anderson that he has plans to go with younger pacers and build a team for 2025-26 Ashes Series. So, James Anderson has been expected to continue till the end of this English Summer, where they will play Test matches against West Indies and Sri Lanka. On Saturday, Anderson confirmed that he would be retiring post Lord’s Test against West Indies.
West Indies would be playing first Test of the 3 Test series at the historic Lord’s stadium. James Anderson who would turn 42 in July has announced that it would be his last Test match ever. He has played 188 Test matches behind Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200. He took 700 wickets and became first ever pace bowler to take so many and third ever bowler to take 700 as well.
James “Jimmy” Anderson wrote on his Instagram page, “Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test.”
He continued to state that he know its time to let others realise their dreams. He wrote, “It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.”
James Anderson went on to thank his family members and players, coaches he played with over 20 years. He wrote, “I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.”
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He concluded by stating that even though he did not show much emotions, he does feel them. He wrote, “I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it. See you at the Test, Go well…”
James Anderson started his career in Test Cricket against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003. He found great support from his first captain Nasser Hussain and he reached the milestone of 700 wickets by playing for 21 years, both never achieved by any other pace bowler till date. England supporters would anticipate Anderson to take another 5-for against West Indies before he retire.
