James Anderson has confirmed that England’s first Test of the northern summer, against the West Indies at Lord’s in July, will be the 188th and final of a glittering international career.
Anderson, who made his Test debut in 2003, will retire about two weeks before his 42nd birthday, having received a tap on the shoulder from an England management looking to the future. In a statement, Anderson said: “I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams like I got to.”
Jimmy Anderson in action during last year’s Ashes series.Credit: AP
Anderson has 700 Test wickets, a record for a fast bowler, and will need at least nine in his final Test to overtake the great Australian spinner Shane Warne. Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan leads the list with 800.
“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid,” Anderson said. “I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.
“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of [wife] Daniella, [and daughters] Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.
“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.
England’s Stuart Broad and James Anderson were a formidable pace duo.Credit: Getty
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face doesn’t often show it. See you at the Test.”
After talks with England coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, Anderson has decided not to play on beyond the first Test. He could have bowed out later in the summer, either at his home ground Old Trafford in August, or in September at the Oval – the south London ground where his great friends and former teammates Alastair Cook (in 2018) and Stuart Broad (last year) retired.