Following the first Test match at Lord’s against the West Indies, the renowned cricket player James Anderson hung up his boots. With 188 Test matches played for England, he has the third-highest number of dismissals in the history of the game with 704 to his credit. Though the trend was moving in the opposite direction, he has served as an inspiration for the younger generation as a bowler who gave up the money from franchise cricket to play red-ball cricket.
Anderson was praised by former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for playing Test cricket for 22 years, which is an impressive accomplishment to say the least. The well-known player known as “The Master Blaster” continued by saying that he enjoyed watching the Burnley native bowl and mentioned how his professionalism and skill have inspired a whole generation.
“Hi Jimmy! The fans are blown away by your amazing 22-year tenure. As you say farewell, let me make you a small wish. Watching you bowl has been enjoyable because of your motion, pace, accuracy, swing, and fitness. Your game has inspired generations. Tendulkar wrote on the microblogging platform X (previously Twitter): “Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life — the time with family.”
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Hey Jimmy!
You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye.
It has been a joy to watch you bowl – with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game.
Wish you a wonderful life… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024
James Anderson is one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time: Lasith Malinga
On his last day, many cricket players gave Anderson their respects. Because of his significant impact on red-ball cricket, Lasith Malinga regarded Anderson as one of the best Test cricketers of all time. He discussed how Anderson is an exceptional fast bowler in international cricket, with longevity and skill that are uncommon.
Jimmy, happy retirement! Your extraordinary longevity and unmatched expertise are proof of your commitment and diligence. arguably the best Test cricket player of all time! Malinga wrote, “Enjoy the next chapter, legend.”
Happy Retirement, Jimmy! 🐐
Your unparalleled skill and unbelievable longevity are a testament to your dedication and hard work. 👏
One of the greatest Test cricketers of all time!
Enjoy the next chapter, legend!❤️— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) July 12, 2024
Among many others, Anderson received congratulations on his illustrious career from Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hasan Ali, and Shikha Pandey.
It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace… pic.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024
Huge respect to @jimmy9 on an amazing test career 🫡 You were a beast on the pitch, always keeping the batters on their toes, 704 wickets is insane 🚀 Congrats on an incredible journey bhai. You’ll be missed🫶🏽#IamGAME #JamesAnderson #TestCricket #Legend pic.twitter.com/qJTgTV0OOy
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) July 12, 2024
Nice point of @GuinnessIreland @benstokes38 👏👏👏 https://t.co/ZjA7PfQY5e
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) July 12, 2024
The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion. pic.twitter.com/vQPtZaFiN5
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2024
Congratulations legend @jimmy9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2w4hciTLkB
— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) July 12, 2024
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @jimmy9 👏
Absolute GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/FIzQRUUX6x— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) July 12, 2024
Happy retirement. ❤️ There was a swing bowling master class every time he bowled! #AnAbsoluteLegend https://t.co/a45cEgBMNY
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) July 12, 2024