Anderson to call time on stellar career this summer
The pace legend, who made his debut in 2003, confirms that the Lord’s Test against West Indies in July will be his last
NEW DELHI: It was one glorious chapter in English and world cricket that promised to go on forever. England’s all-time pace great James Anderson announced on Saturday that he will end his Test career this summer with the opening game of the home series against West Indies, appropriately at cricket’s spiritual home, Lord’s.
Anderson, 41, in a moving personal statement, confirmed that the Test starting on July 10 will mark a glorious adieu to international cricket.
“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test,” he said in the statement on social media.
The master of swing bowling made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2003, going on to take 700 wickets — the most by a pace bowler in the longest format of the game and the third most overall. Only two of the game’s spin legends, Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets in 133 Tests) and Shane Warne (708 in 145 Tests), have taken more wickets.
The next best fast bowler in the all-time list is his pace partner for most of their careers, Stuart Broad, who retired in the final Ashes Test at the Oval in London last year.
His 604 scalps in 167 Tests places him fifth in the list — Anil Kumble is fourth (619) — among the most successful Test bowlers. Anderson will finish with 188 Tests — also the most by any pace bowler in Test history – with Warne’s 708 wickets a tempting final target to surpass.
“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.
“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella (wife), Lola, Ruby (daughters) 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.
“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,” he said, asking his fans to be at Lord’s to bid him farewell.
Anderson’s astonishing 21-year career is a tribute to his super fitness and sublime skill, which saw him produce match-winning swing bowling even on the slow pitches of the subcontinent.
One great demonstration came on a warm afternoon in the 2012 Eden Gardens Test that set up an eventually seriesclinching win. Being part of three Ashes series wins are among the highlights of his over two-decade career though Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 200 Test appearances will be safe.
Although questions about his Test future had been in the air for several seasons, this year’s five-Test series in India showed the time has come for England to nurture fresh talent. Anderson played in four of those Tests, on pitches that helped pace and spin, but took only 10 wickets. That goes to 15 in the last eight Tests at an average of just over 50.
Anderson’s announcement comes a day after British media reports said that England chief coach Brendon McCullum has had a conversation with the pace great over a round of golf. With England playing three Tests each against West Indies and Sri Lanka, there was some speculation he could sign off at Old Trafford — his home ground — which stages the first game against the islanders. That is until Anderson’s statement.
Anderson played 194 ODIs (269 wickets @ 29.22), 19 T20Is (18 wickets) and 296 first-class games (1,114 wickets @ 24.67).