ENG vs WI | Legends and pundits react to Anderson bringing curtains down on illustrious 21-year career
England's highest wicket-taker of all time and the most prolific pacer in Test history James Anderson hung his boots at 41 after a successful farewell Test against the West Indies at Lord's. The right-arm quick finished with 704 Test and 991 int'l wickets as a flurry of tributes poured in.
James Anderson debuted for England in an ODI against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2002 before being handed a Test cap five months later against England at Lord's. The Lancashire quick, nicknamed the Burnley Express for his raw pace early in his career, was in and out of the red-ball setup for the next five years but a successful series in New Zealand, where he was paired with Stuart Broad for the first time, cemented Anderson's place in England's best XI. Over the next decade and a half, Anderson grew a reputation as one of the most skilful pacers in the world, given his ability to swing and seam the ball both ways, wield the wobble and cross-seam with great effect, and exhibit unmatched control over length.
Anderson played 194 ODIs, scalping 269 wickets while averaging under 30 and an economy of 4.92, but was phased out following England's disastrous 2015 ICC World Cup campaign. The veteran also briefly featured in the T20I set-up between 2007 and 2009, managing 15 appearances but it was in the all-whites that Anderson had his greatest hits. He was capped 188 times for the Three Lions in Tests, only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 200, and finished as the third-highest wicket-taker of all time with 704 scalps at an average of 26.45.
A living legend, Anderson was eventually asked to hang up his boots by the leadership triumvirate of Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, and Rob Key to allow young pacers to stake a claim for the 2026 Ashes. Thus, the 41-year-old took to Lord's against West Indies on Wednesday aware it was to be his last dance, managing returns of 1/26 and 3/32 in the two innings respectively to help England clinch an innings victory. Anderson could even have had a 705th scalp were it not for a dropped return catch at the tail end of the match. The icon walked off to a rousing ovation once victory was confirmed as legends and celebrities from all around the world took to their social media to express gratitude and respect for the hall of fame career.
The farewell
Jimmy's family and the whole of Lord's rise to applaud a true legend of the game 🥰
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
They don't make 'em like Jimmy Anderson anymore ❤️
Goodbye from god
Hey Jimmy!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)
You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye.
It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game.
Wish you a wonderful life…
Finest craftsman
It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12)
Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace…
Special days
That’s been a special 3 days at Lords .. Sad to say goodbye to the 🐐 but it’s been a pleasure to watch a magician in action for 21 yrs .. I don’t think we will see another bowler quite like him ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
End of an incredible career
End of an era! Congratulations on an incredible career . Your dedication and skill on the field have been truly inspiring. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina)
Best wishes
Congratulations on an amazing career … your endurance, passion and commitment were always next level, your ability to take wickets was second to none… like your 114 not outs as a batter you will remain not out in our hearts… best wishes for whatever you do in future.…
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive)
The champion
The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)
Unparelleled skill
Happy Retirement, Jimmy! 🐐
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9)
Your unparalleled skill and unbelievable longevity are a testament to your dedication and hard work. 👏
One of the greatest Test cricketers of all time!
Enjoy the next chapter, legend!❤️
Greatest ever
Jimmy Anderson's final ever Test Wicket, it's 704th 🫡
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07)
Jimmy Ends his Career with Peach of a Delivery 💥 Happy Retirement - The Greatest Ever 👏
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