James Anderson was written out of international cricket as he took his wicket record in his 188th and final Test for England.
Anderson is England’s greatest Test wicket-taker of all time, having made his Test debut in 2003.
The record seam holder ended his international career today, helping England beat the West Indies at Lord’s.
Both sets of players gave him a guard of honor as he took to the field at London’s famous cricket ground on Friday.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “It’s been an incredible week. It was very emotional with both teams lined up – the crowd’s reaction was very special.
“I’m very proud – I played for more than 20 years. I’m very happy to have come this far.
“Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to do it for so long.”
Asked if there was anything he wouldn’t miss, he joked: “I won’t miss feeling this way [after a game] – I feel about 55 years old [years old]. I won’t miss the pain and suffering.”
England’s James Anderson celebrates taking the wicket of West Indies’ Joshua Da Silva. Photo: Action Images via Reuters
The 41-year-old took the wicket on the first day of the first Test on Wednesday.
He then scored twice again on Thursday – bowling Kraigg Brathwaite for four and then bowling out Alick Athanaze for 22 – during West Indies’ second innings.
Photo: PA
After play resumed on Friday, he advanced to 704 Test wickets when Joshua Da Silva was caught behind.
He had taken exactly 700 wickets before the start of the Test – one of only three players to reach the milestone and the only seam bowler to do so.
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Often described as the best swing bowler in the history of the sport, Anderson was part of the England team that won the 2010 T-20 World Cup and the England team that reached the 2013 Champions Trophy final.
Anderson took his 700th wicket in his most recent match against India in Dharamsala in March.
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Announcing his retirement from international cricket in May, Anderson said he had “20 incredible years representing my country, playing the sport I have loved since I was a child”.
“I’m going to really miss leaving for England. But I know it’s the right time to step away and let others realize their dreams like I did, because there’s no greater feeling.”
His decision followed talks with England coach Brendon McCullum, who wants to modify his team’s attack and build for the future with an eye on the 2025-26 Ashes.
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