James Anderson retires after Lord’s Test against West Indies

James Anderson has announced he will retire from international cricket after England’s first Test of the summer at Lord’s, against the West Indies, drawing the curtain on a legendary career that all began 21 years ago.

Anderson, who turns 42 in July, made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2003 against Zimbabwe. He went on to take 700 wickets – More than any pace bowler On the test date. His final tally of 188 ODIs would be the second most in Test history, with Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him with 200.

In a personal statement posted on Instagram, Anderson confirmed he would represent England for the last time, although he later spoke to the BBC Tailors podcast, and did not rule out the possibility of extending his playing career with Lancashire.

“Hello everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last,” Anderson wrote on Instagram.

“It’s been an amazing 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’ll miss playing for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others achieve their dreams just as I have, because there’s no greater feeling.”

“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniela, Lola, Robbie and my parents. Thank you so much to them. And also thank you to the players and coaches who make this the best job in the world.”

“I’m excited about the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with more golf.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it always means a lot, even if my face doesn’t often show it.

“See you at the test,

“Going well

“Jimmy X”

Anderson previously had ambitions to play England’s six Tests this summer against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and even refused to rule out being in the 2025-26 Ashes, by which point he will be 43 years old. However, after a face-to-face encounter. A meeting on the golf course with Test coach Brendon McCullum in April, and further conversations with managing director Rob Key, Anderson was told the team needed to look beyond him this summer with a view to building on that tour of Australia.

News of this meeting was initially published in Watchman On Friday, confirmation was finally obtained from Anderson after 24 hours. He was due to appear as part of the BBC’s live coverage of England’s women’s first match of the summer against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday but then pulled out.

Talking to TailorsAnderson confirmed his discussions with McCullum came as part of his annual assessment, six months into his one-year contract.

“I feel like I’ve talked about this for 10 years with every coach I’ve ever worked with, asking them how long are you going to play,” Anderson said. “Looking ahead, can a 43-year-old make the Ashes in 18 months? I’ve come to the decision ‘probably not’. From my perspective, it feels like a stretch at this stage of my career, and Their view is, there are 15 Tests or so before the Ashes, so it gives them time to get tests and experience of other players before the Ashes series.

“I feel good about it, I’ve had an amazing career. The retirement stuff has been around for years, since I turned 30 and has developed even more since I turned 40. I feel really lucky that I’ve been able to get to this point and still be playing.” At this very high level.”

Anderson reached the 700 Test wicket mark earlier this year in the fifth and final Test of England’s tour of India. Although he has long been the backbone of the England attack, he bowled just 110 overs in seven innings in that series after a brutal Ashes campaign last summer in which he took just five wickets at 85.40 in four Tests. Anderson is currently on a one-year central contract that expires at the end of the summer.

Regarding his county career, Anderson admitted he was “not 100%” ready to hang up his boots, and could feature in the latter half of Lancashire’s Championship campaign.

He said: “There are matches at the end of the season that I do not rule out at the moment.” “That’s a conversation I have to have with Lancashire and see what they want to do.

“It’s part of the thought process. I’m not 100 per cent sure what I’ll do next. That will be a conversation in the future with Lancashire and see what they want to do, and see if I’ve done it or not.” “I actually have the desire and desire to do it again, which will be later in the year.”

In a statement issued by the ECB alongside Anderson, the bank’s president, Richard Thompson, said:

“I don’t think we’ll ever see a player quite like Jamie again. It was an honor for us as England fans to watch him and marvel at his skill on the ball.

“That he is still bowling at the top of his game at the age of 41 is fantastic, and he is a true inspiration and role model for his peers and younger generations alike.

“His final Test promises to be an emotional one, and having been there for his first Test in 2003, it will be an honor to watch his final Test at Lord’s in July.

“English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other.”