James Anderson retired from Test cricket on Friday (July 12) after England’s emphatic win over the West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s. England thrashed the visitors by an innings and 114 runs in three days to take the lead in the three-match series.
After conceding a huge 250-run lead in the first innings, West Indies resumed on day 3 at 79 for 6. They were between a rock and a hard place and the remaining batsmen did little to delay the inevitable. James Anderson gave England the first breakthrough by dismissing Joshua Da Silva before Gus Atkinson took the remaining 3 wickets as West Indies were all out for 136 runs.
The emphatic victory was a fitting farewell for one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time. James Anderson retired from Tests as the most successful fast bowler of all time. He finished his career with a staggering 704 wickets in 188 Tests, with only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne ahead of him on the all-time list.
James Anderson on his career and retirement:
After the match ended, James Anderson spoke about his career and retirement in an interview with his first England captain Nasser Hussain. During the interview, the former England captain began by talking about the emotional farewell he received from fans and players on the final day of the Test.
He further said that he is proud of himself for having managed to play international cricket for over two decades. James Anderson also spoke about his family and teammates and explained how their support over the years has played a key role in his career.
Nasser Hussain also asked Anderson about the possibility of playing for Lancashire in the County Championship. In response, the 41-year-old did not rule out the possibility, though he said he has not yet made a decision on the matter. Before his last Test match, Anderson had played for Lancashire and had picked up 7 wickets against Nottinghamshire.
Here is James Anderson’s full interview with Nasser Hussain:
Nasser: Your last ball for England, you’re finished. What’s your predominant emotion?
Anderson: To be honest, I’m still gutted about missing that catch, but it’s been an amazing week and I’ve been really surprised by the reaction from the crowd, everyone on the field and the lads as well. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.
Nasser: Before the match you said that everything was as usual: that you had to keep playing, do what you have done for 21 years and try to hold back the tears. Were you able to do that?
Anderson: Yeah, I think so. Obviously this morning was quite emotional, with two teams lining up and the crowd reaction was pretty special. I’m still trying to contain them, but I think I’m really proud to have played for 20-odd years – it’s an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler. So I’m happy to have come this far and happy to have been lucky enough to remain injury-free for almost my entire career. Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to be able to do it for a long time.
Nasser: Seeing your family here, seeing your daughters ring the bell, seeing the crowd react to every wicket and every near-miss almost brings you to tears.
Anderson: Yeah, it did. We talk a lot in the locker room about making memories and it’s not just for us here, it’s for our families as well. They come along for the ride with you. I’ve been away from home a lot, on tour and stuff like that, and they’ve been incredibly supportive at home and allowed me to play for so long. I’m thankful for what they’ve done for me and also thankful that they’ve had the opportunity to be a part of this week as well.
Nasser: This family (speaking of team-mates in the dressing room) here and the one you had in the England dressing room, what do they mean to you?
Anderson: I’ve been lucky enough to play with some amazing players and some of the most talented cricketers to ever play the game, but more importantly I’ve been lucky enough to play with some really good guys and I’ve made lifelong friends. I think it’s a very special sport because getting to know it creates this kind of environment and these kinds of friendships, and part of me is a little bit jealous that these guys get to experience that for years to come. Like I said, we’ve got a young team and a lot of incredible talent and the advice I give them is to enjoy every moment because it’s a wonderful experience.
Nasser: What will you miss most about being an England cricketer?
Anderson: The feeling we have now of winning a Test match, there is no better feeling. Everyone has been trying hard this week and I know we look like we have dominated, but we had to work really hard to get this win. We share in other people’s success as well. Gus was amazing this week on his debut, as was Jamie Smith. It’s amazing to see the lads come out and show their talent and then sit here after the win and celebrate those kinds of performances together. It’s an amazing thing that I will definitely miss.
Nasser: And what will you miss the least?
Anderson: I feel like I do now. I feel like I’m 55 after the overs I bowled this week. I think I’m going to miss the aches and pains you wake up with. I’ve been very lucky to do what I’ve done for a long time and I’m happy to have made it this far.
Nasser: Maybe a game for Lancashire? Are you thinking of dropping in from Jimmy Anderson’s wing at Old Trafford? Is that still a possibility?
Anderson: I haven’t thought about the future. I’m going to stay with these guys for the rest of the summer, try to help the bowling group as much as I can and then we’ll see where life takes us after that. I haven’t thought too far into the future.
Nasser: Where were you 21 years ago in this locker room? Can you believe the journey you’ve come?
Anderson: I think I was in the opposite corner from you, to avoid one of your rants. I think I sat there and slowly but surely I kind of moved over to this side and I feel like this was my spot for about 15 years or so. It’s amazing to think about the players that were in the locker room back then. How many amazing players I played with over the years, it was pretty surreal to think about that.
