England cricket icon, James Anderson, brought an end to his 21-year-long illustrious Test career on Friday, July 12. The 41-year-old fast bowler, who amassed a remarkable 704 wickets in his career, played his final match at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground.
James Anderson Concludes Illustrious Test Career
England secured a dominant victory over West Indies by an innings and 114 runs, providing a fitting finale for the legendary seamer. Anderson contributed four wickets to England's triumph but was outshone by the exceptional performance of debutant Gus Atkinson. The young pace bowler claimed 12 wickets, securing the second-best bowling figures for an English debutant in Test cricket history.
The day undoubtedly belonged to Anderson as he played his final Test match. After the game, Anderson shared his thoughts in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I tried to enjoy the week. I just wanted to enjoy every minute, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy doing something I've loved for 20-odd years. Thankfully it swung a little bit at times and the pitch did enough throughout the game to test the batters out. I'm a competitive person, no matter what I do, I'm competitive at it. That is the thing I'll miss the most, that battle with a batter. That's something I've taken pride in over the years,” Anderson said.
"I got a little bit emotional walking onto the field when the two teams were lined up. I just tried to settle in and get wickets. Maybe I tried a bit too hard towards the end. Forgot to put my hands on and dropped the catch," he added.
Anderson openly acknowledged his struggles in Ashes matches against Australia.
"To be honest, obviously there's a little bit more on it, but unlike Stuart [Broad] I don't feel like I ever rose to the occasion, I gave it everything regardless of the opposition. I didn't completely nail Ashes cricket. Maybe I was trying too hard at times. It's incredible to be involved in those sorts of series. Enjoyed every minute of it. I know you're trying to make me feel old but it just makes me feel proud that I've played with so many unbelievably talented cricketers... seeing that talent up close, I feel so lucky to have done that," former England's superstar pacer stated.
Anderson reveals how Virat Kohli made him feel inferior
When questioned about his most successful year, Anderson namedropped Virat Kohli and replied:
“I feel like you go so up and down. Some series you feel amazing and then the next one, you're not quite on it. Playing against [Virat] Kohli in the early days, you feel like you could get him out every ball; now, you feel like you can't get him out at all and feel so inferior”.
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