Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey
After an incredible 21 years, James Anderson’s Test career is over. And it’ll take some getting used to.
Making his debut at Lord’s against Zimbabwe in 2003, no one could have imagined what would come next. 188 Tests and 704 wickets later, Anderson goes down as England’s greatest bowler and the most prolific wicket-taker among pacers in Test history.
An emotional Anderson spoke to Sky Sports after England’s massive win over a hapless West Indies. “Overwhelmed by the reaction from the crowd,” he said in the post-match presentation. “To contribute to a win, something I’ve tried to do throughout my career, every time I’ve pulled on this shirt it’s been about trying to win games for England.”
Anderson pinpointed victories in Australia (2010/11) and India (2012) as the big highlights from over the years.
“Winning series and winning Test matches has been the only thing that I’ve been interested in. Winning in Australia, winning in India, becoming the No. 1 side in the world and contributing in those series, those are the things I’ll remember. And playing with some of the greats. Really special,” he said.
Anderson missed the chance to finish his career with a wicket. He dropped a simple caught and bowled chance. But, it did little to dampen the mood, with all of Lord’s staying back until the presentation to farewell a great of English cricket.
Reactions to James Anderson retiring – fans take aim at England management
While the West Indies were out of their depth, Anderson still looked in fine touch. He had the ball moving, with his final scalp – Joshua Da Silva – a trademark Jimmy wicket.
As England fans come to grips with James Anderson retiring, they shifted their attention to the call made by Rob Key and Brendon McCullum to give the pace bowler the “tap on the shoulder”, with next year’s Ashes in Australia the big priority.
Here are some of the reactions to a great career coming to an end.
