James Anderson, one of cricket’s best fast bowlers, will play his final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord’s on Wednesday, July 10. The world is getting ready to say goodbye to him.
A unique incident occurred on the first day of the first Test match between West Indies and Lord’s when Anderson’s family rang the ceremonial bell, announcing the impending commencement of play. In Test cricket, ringing the bell outside the Bowlers’ Bar at Lord’s Pavilion has become a cherished custom.
With his retirement, Anderson’s career in English cricket comes to an end. Since making his debut for his country in 2002, he has followed the development of cricket as it has changed, from Test cricket’s hegemony to the emergence of T20 leagues. With an incredible 700 Test wickets under his belt, the right-arm fast is getting ready for his 188th Test match. To become the first fast bowler and third player overall to reach 1000 international wickets, he needs just 13 more wickets. He would tie Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets if he took nine wickets in his final Test match, making him the second best wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
Special moments this morning 🥰🔔#EnglandCricket | @Jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/zEatqbhphq
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2024
England won the toss and chose to field first against West Indies at Lord’s
Interestingly, James Anderson led out the England team for the final time at the start of the day. After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Anderson had the opportunity to quickly increase his wicket total.
James Anderson leads out England ahead of his final Test match for England 🏴🙌 pic.twitter.com/TOtTQnpb9l
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2024
In addition, bowler Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper-battler Jamie Smith were awarded their Test caps during the game. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, praised Anderson’s professionalism and passion at the toss.
Also Read: England inserts the West Indies, and Anderson will bowl the opening ball in his final Test match.
“What we can expect from Jimmy is complete heart, desire, and passion to go out there and win games for England… Jimmy is the ultimate professional,” Stokes stated prior to the toss.
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