James Anderson has bowed out from international cricket by adding to his record wicket tally in his 188th and final Test for England.
Anderson is England’s highest Test wicket-taker of all time, having made his Test debut in 2003.
The record-breaking seamer wrapped up his international career today, helping England to victory against the West Indies at Lord’s.
Both sets of players gave him a guard of honour as he walked onto the field at the famous cricket ground in London on Friday.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “It’s been quite an amazing week. I’ve been overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground, and the lads as well. I’m just proud of what I’ve achieved.
“This morning was emotional with the two teams lined up, and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. I’m still trying to hold (tears) back. I am just really proud.
“Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m just happy that I’ve made it this far and happy that I’ve been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career.
“Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to do it for a long time.”
Asked if there was anything he wouldn’t miss, he joked: “I won’t miss feeling like this [after a game] – I feel about 55 [years old]. I won’t miss the aches and pains.”
The 41-year-old took a wicket on day one of the first Test on Wednesday.
He then struck twice again on Thursday – bowling Kraigg Brathwaite for four and then nicking off Alick Athanaze for 22 – during the West Indies’ second innings.
After play resumed on Friday, he advanced to 704 Test wickets when he had Joshua Da Silva caught behind.
He had taken exactly 700 wickets before the Test got underway – one of only three players to reach the mark, 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 in the England squad that won the 2010 T-20 World Cup and the England side that reached the 2013 Champions Trophy final.
Anderson took his 700th wicket in his most recent outing against India in Dharamsala in March.
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Announcing his retirement from international cricket in May, Anderson said he’d had “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.”
His decision followed talks with England head coach Brendon McCullum, who wants to modify his side’s seam attack and build towards the future with one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Anderson as an “incredible sportsman”.
“I mean, what a legend. And even now, a brilliant sportsman as he plays out the last game,” he said when asked for his view on Anderson’s career.
“I don’t think there’s going to be any dissenting voices and saying what an incredible player, what an incredible sportsman he was.”
