Veteran English pace bowler James Anderson was presented with a special award following the conclusion of the first Test match between England and West Indies. James Anderson was honoured with an honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) after retiring from international cricket.
James Anderson ended his international cricket career with a win over the West Indies at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday, July 12. England defeated the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first match of the series. The home team closed out the match on the third day, giving the veteran player a fitting send-off.
The 41-year-old played 188 Test matches for England in his illustrious career that spanned over two decades. The right-hander took 704 wickets at an average of 26.46. The recently retired cricketer is the second most-capped Test player behind maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Test matches for India.
Watch – James Anderson receives MCC honorary life membership
During the post-match presentation, Marylebone Cricket Club chairman Mark Nicholas awarded James Anderson honorary membership. Anderson received a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates, and the video went viral on social media.
James Anderson has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the MCC ❤️ image.twitter.com/PfAr4ykEEI
— Sky Cricket Sports (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2024
The 41-year-old took four wickets in the final match of his international cricket career. He took one wicket for 26 runs in the first innings, followed by 3/32 in the second. He became the only fast bowler to bowl more than 40,000 legal deliveries in Test cricket.
The game will surely miss your presence – Yuvraj Singh
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh praised James Anderson on X (formerly Twitter) for his exceptional career and described him as “one of the finest craftsmen” in cricket. Singh stated that Anderson’s presence on the field will be missed and wished him all the best for his next chapter.
“It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. When you retire, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen! Your ability to bowl the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and a lot of hard work, has distinguished you as one of the finest pace bowlers of our time,” Yuvraj Singh wrote.
“We will all deeply miss seeing you running at full speed, ball in hand! As you take the first step into the next chapter of your life, I wish you all the best. It has been a pleasure sharing the field with you and the game will surely miss your presence. Cheers to a phenomenal career Jimmy, you are a legend, the greatest of all time.“ he added.
It’s not every day that a sportsman like James Anderson comes along. By hanging up his boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
Your ability to move the ball both ways, combined with precision and a lot of hard work, has distinguished you as one of the best pace players… image.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024
James Anderson set numerous records throughout his cricket career. He began his Test career at Lord’s in 2003, the same venue where he concluded his career. Anderson retired as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, behind legendary bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
The second Test match of the three-match series between England and West Indies will begin at Trent Bridge on Thursday, July 18. Anderson will remain with the team to support and mentor the younger players. England will be aiming to maintain their winning streak, while West Indies will be looking to level the series.
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