James Anderson, the 41-year-old ageless wonder who has won acclaim for his fitness and pace despite his age, took to Instagram in May to announce that the first Test of the summer against the West Indies on July 10 will mark James Anderson‘s final international appearance. Ahead of his retirement Test match, England pace veteran James Anderson opened up on his future and listed things that left unachieved in his illustrious 22-year-old Test career.
James Anderson, the 41-year-old ageless wonder who has won acclaim for his fitness and pace despite his age, announced in May on Instagram that the first Test of the summer against the West Indies on July 10 will mark his final international appearance.
James Anderson’s dominating Test career
The seasoned pacer James Anderson has dominated red-ball cricket with his mastery of the swing as well as the reverse swing. He made his debut in the Test format against Zimbabwe at The Lord’s, and he will bid farewell to fans as a player at the same venue.
His 6/17 against Pakistan in the first Test in 2010 at Trent Bridge still echoes the prowess of his remarkable career. He left Pakistan batters Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Azhar Ali, and many more players speechless. In 187 Tests, Anderson has taken 700 wickets at an average of 26.52, with the best bowling figures of 7/42. He has also taken 269 wickets in 194 ODIs for England and 18 wickets in 19 T20Is.
The England series against the West Indies will start from July 10 at Lord’s and will see Three Lions play three Tests. James Anderson’s last stint at Lords would be a special occasion for the English team under Ben Stokes and the skipper made a special wish for James Anderson playing his last test match.
Ben Stokes’ wish for James Anderson to take all 20 wickets ahead of legendary pacer’s farewell Test
England captain Ben Stokes hopes to see James Anderson take all 20 wickets as the veteran gears up for his 188th and final Test. The 33-year-old opined that James Anderson’s skills are still world-class, but feels the time to prepare for the away Ashes series next year is now.
Having made his debut in 2003, James Anderson will finish his career at Lord’s when England face the West Indies in the opening Test of the summer. The Lancashire bowler will finish his career as the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests and has the opportunity to finish even as the second-highest overall.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Stokes remembered how Stuart Broad underlined his desire to go out on top and suggested wanting the same for James Anderson.
“I hope he takes all 20 wickets if I’m being honest. I listened to Stuart talk about his retirement and wanting to go out on top and there was one thing he said that even made me think about when the time comes for me to go. He said: ‘I didn’t want a new player to come in and go I thought Stuart Broad was meant to be good. I thought: ‘Yeah that is a good thing to think about.’”
He added:
“Jimmy’s skillset is obviously still good enough for international cricket. But we have to make big decisions and we have got the Ashes to think about in 18 months’ time. Nobody will ever say, ‘Oh is that Jimmy Anderson? I thought he was meant to be good’ because he is still incredible.”
James Anderson had a forgettable 2023 home summer when England hosted Australia for the Ashes. He managed only five wickets in four matches with a dismal average of 85.40.
“The knee is the best it has been for a long time” – Ben Stokes
With Stokes struggling to roll his arms regularly since February 2023, the ace all-rounder revealed that it has progressed quite well. The skipper said it’s a relief knowing he can fulfil all the facets effectively, adding:
“The bowling is coming on really well. It is great to be able to sit here after two years not knowing how it was going to be on a day to day basis to now being as good as gold. It is really refreshing for me as a player and captain knowing we can always have four seamers. It balances the team so much better. I know I offer the team so much more when playing a bigger role with bat and ball. The knee is the best it has been for a long time.”
The tour of India earlier this year saw Stokes bowl only in the fifth and final Test of the series.