After the first Test match between England and the West Indies at Lord’s on July 12, legendary player James Anderson hung up his boots. As the third-highest wicket-getter in Test matches, the veteran bid adieu to international cricket. The bowler was spotted bowling and playing cricket with children on the renowned Lord’s pitch during his last match. Captain Ben Stokes chimed in, saying that the younger generation will remember the stalwart, as soon as the event swiftly became viral on social media.
England won the match by an innings and 114 runs thanks to an innings-and-a-half of bowling strikes from Anderson in the first innings of his farewell Test match. Anderson took just one wicket in the second. The 41-year-old will still coach the squad during the final two Tests, though, following the final dance. The strike bowler insisted that playing for England was the greatest job in the world in the midst of all of this and that he would be there for the squad whenever they needed him.
Stokes responded to the video, saying, “My daughter bats and my son fields. They got no idea, but one day they will @jimmy9.”
Here’s Stokes’ reaction on James Anderson playing with his kids:
My daughter batting and my son doing the fielding, they got no idea but one day they will @jimmy9 ❤️ https://t.co/dzWpqkjtOQ
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 12, 2024
It’s been an incredible twenty years, and I cherish every second of it: Anderson
Throughout his 20-year cricket career, James Anderson has primarily focused on red ball cricket. With 188 Test matches played and 704 wickets taken, he holds the record for most wickets taken by a pacer in Test cricket. One of England’s top pacers, walking off into the sunset, reminisced about every moment from the previous game and acknowledged that the surrealness had not yet fully sink in.
Also Read: “It’s a little bit sad to see him go,” says Joe Root regarding James Anderson’s retirement from the international cricket team
Indeed, various feelings have been expressed throughout the building’s growth. Walking out today after both teams had climbed back up was rather emotional on day one. When I called that first ball, I didn’t know what I was attempting to accomplish with it. Yes, it has been amazing. The response to the people was tumultuous, as I mentioned. I still can’t quite put my mind around it. After his final game, Anderson remarked, “But yeah, it’s just been an amazing 20 years and I’m so proud of every moment.”