Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has penned an emotional message to James Anderson to congratulate him on his illustrious Test career.
The England great drew to a close his Test career on Friday (July 12) with the conclusion of the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. England thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in three days to take the lead in the three-match series.
The Ben Stokes-led side completely dominated the encounter and outplayed the beleaguered hosts. Asked to bat first, the West Indies were bowled out for just 121 runs in the first innings, with debutant Gus Atkinson taking 7 wickets. In reply, England finished their innings on 271 runs and took a huge lead of 250 runs.
Zak Crawley (76), Ollie Pope (57), Harry Brook (50), Joe Root (68) and Jamie Smith (70) scored half-centuries for the home side. In the second innings, West Indies failed to do well with the bat once again as they were bowled out for just 136 runs.
West Indies began Day 3 on 79 for 6 and were bowled out in the first session. James Anderson struck first to send Joshua Da Silva back before Atkinson took the remaining three wickets to complete his second five-wicket haul in the game.
On the other hand, Anderson finished the match with 3 wickets. However, the game was not all about Anderson’s performance as the cricket fraternity has been busy paying tributes to him for his legendary career.
Sachin Tendulkar’s message to James Anderson:
Sachin Tendulkar also made sure to congratulate James Anderson on his illustrious career. On Friday, the legendary batsman took to X (formerly Twitter) to pen a special message for the England great. Tendulkar said that watching Anderson bowl has been a pleasure and asserted that the player has inspired generations with his game.
“Hi Jimmy! You have left fans in awe with your incredible 22 years of service. Sending you a little wish as you bid farewell,” Tendulkar wrote.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch you pitch, with that action, that speed, that accuracy, that swing and that physicality. You have inspired generations with your game,” he added.
Tendulkar concluded by wishing Anderson a fresh start in life, writing: “Wishing you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you step into those new shoes for the most important time of your life – time with family.”
Hi jimmy!
You have left fans in awe with your incredible 22-year career. I am sending you a small wish as you say goodbye.
It’s been a pleasure watching you bowl – that action, that speed, that accuracy, that swing and that physicality. You have inspired generations with your game.
I wish you a wonderful life… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024
Anderson’s Lancashire county club also posted a video of Tendulkar paying tribute to the player. In the video, Tendulkar recalled how impressed he was by Anderson’s bowling in 2002 and how then England captain Nasser Hussain had called him the future of English cricket.
From one 🐐 to another 🐐: @sachin_rt with a very special message to mark the magnificent Test Match career of @jimmy9.
🌹 #RedRoseTogether | #ThanksJimmy pic.twitter.com/dJHlWQah2E
— Lancashire Lightning (@lancscricket) July 12, 2024
