James Anderson, a seasoned fast bowler for England, announced that he is retiring from Test cricket, stating that the team’s July 10 match against the West Indies at the Lords Cricket Ground will be his final one.
The 41-year-old right-arm pacer, who has played in 187 Test matches for England, is regarded as the best English fast bowler due to his outstanding exploits throughout the course of his storied 20-year career.
In a message posted on his Instagram account, Anderson stated, “Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test […] 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.”
Last summer, Anderson’s longstanding bowling partner Stuart Broad made the decision to call it quits. He rode out into the sunset after taking a wicket with his last delivery to give England a draw in the Ashes.
Recall that during the fifth and final Test match between England and India in March of this year, Anderson became the first seamer to reach 700 Test wickets and third overall.
With 800 wickets from 133 Test matches, Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka leads the all-time record. Australia’s spin virtuoso Shane Warne is second (708).
