Cricket

England great James Anderson proud as ‘best job in the world’ ends

The 41-year-old completed on a successful observe after England beat the West Indies comfortably at Lord’s.

England great James Anderson stated he felt “really proud” after bringing down the curtain on a exceptional Test profession with a thumping win over the West Indies at Lord’s.

His remaining look earlier than worldwide retirement noticed the 41-year-old paceman take a sometimes frugal 3-32 in 16 overs as the West Indies had been dismissed for simply 136 on Friday to present England victory by an innings and 114 runs inside three days.

The England selectors had already agreed with Anderson that this primary of a three-match sequence would symbolize his farewell to nationwide on-field service as they appear to rebuild forward of the 2025/26 Ashes sequence in Australia.

Anderson, now set to mentor England’s quicks for the remainder of the season, bowed out with a exceptional 704 wickets from 188 Tests.

‘Proud of what achieved’

Only spinners Shane Warne (708 Test wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800) have loved extra bowling success at this stage, with India batting hero Sachin Tendulkar (200 matches) the lone cricketer to have performed extra Tests than Anderson.

“It’s been quite an amazing week,” Anderson informed Sky Sports. “I’ve been overwhelmed with the response of the crowd and everybody round the floor, and the lads as properly. I’m simply proud of what I’ve achieved.

“Obviously this morning was quite emotional with the two teams lined up, and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. I’m still trying to hold them (tears) back now but I think I am just really proud,” added Anderson after ending his Test profession the place it began — with a debut in opposition to Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003.

“Playing for 20-odd years is an unbelievable effort, particularly for a quick bowler, so I’m simply joyful that I’ve made it this far, joyful that I’ve been fortunate sufficient to remain injury-free just about all through my profession.

“Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to do it for a long time.”

‘Phenomenal’

England captain Ben Stokes hailed Anderson by saying: “He has simply been an unbelievable inspiration to so many individuals…The quantity of video games and the quantity of wickets he’s taken are simply completely phenomenal.

“Sometimes you can be lost for words but if you gave me 15 minutes I wouldn’t be able to compliment him enough.”

There was a way of a torch being handed at Lord’s, with debutant quick bowler Gus Atkinson named participant of the match following a sensational haul of 12-106.

By taking 12 wickets in his first Test, he managed one thing Anderson was unable to attain in 188, with the Lancashire swing specialist’s finest match return at this stage 11-71 in opposition to Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2010.

“It has been an incredible week,” stated Atkinson. “I just want to say thanks to Jimmy. Playing here in his last Test has been incredible.”

The 26-year-old Surrey fast, requested if he had idolised Anderson as a baby, replied: “A hundred percent. Growing up Jimmy was someone I would come to Lord’s and watch. I was standing at mid-off thinking I had seen that so many times on the TV. It was amazing.”

Meanwhile, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite summed up many an opposition batsman’s view of Anderson by saying: “He is a legend of the game. I won’t miss him at all!”


Source link

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button