England pace bowler James Anderson is making sure that his final Test match is a special one with his strong performance. The first match of the three-match series between England and West Indies is currently underway at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
James Anderson, who took a wicket in the first innings, ensured that his team got off to a flying start with the ball in the second innings. The veteran pacer, who took the new ball, ensured that his team was the first to draw blood in the second attempt.
James Anderson removed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a peach and the batsman seemed to have no clue about the veteran bowler’s delivery. The fast bowler exuded his class with the ball and proved once again why, even at 40, he is still better than many in the format.
James Anderson bowled an inswinger that headed in sharply and late. Kraigg Brathwaite failed to cover the line as his body was not there for the second line of defence. The ball was pitched long and slipped in off the inside edge as the batsman hurriedly tried to adjust his defence.
The ball crashed into the top of the middle stump and the player celebrated with his trademark index finger pointing upwards. It was a jaffa as the ball had a brilliant seam and stayed upright, landing on the seam and cutting the right-hander in half.
Here is the video:
Jimmy Anderson, there are no words 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bBRCS1uykD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2024
James Anderson removed Kraigg Braithwaite for 4 runs as West Indies lost their first wicket for 12 runs. The fast bowler would be keen to take a few more wickets in the game and help his team win the game to end his career on a high for the team in the longest format of the game.
This was James Anderson’s 702nd wicket in Test cricket. The fast bowler is the leading wicket-taker in terms of fast bowlers in Test cricket. Overall, he is the third-highest wicket-taker in the format and is 6 wickets away from Shane Warne’s 708 wickets in Test cricket.
James Anderson will take on the new role after his retirement
James Anderson, who after the tour of India had expressed a desire to play a few more matches for England, was forced to withdraw so that the team could groom the young fast-pacers. Head coach Brendon McCullum flew in from New Zealand and, along with Rob Key and Ben Stokes, had a chat with the fast-pacer.
All three agreed that they want the transition to happen and hence James Anderson should retire. However, the player did not argue and through a social media post, he announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the ongoing Test.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board was not willing to let him go completely. After the ongoing match, James Anderson will take on the role of mentor to the team’s fast bowlers. For the last two matches, he will be there as a mentor to the team.
