A packed Lord’s waved goodbye to James Anderson, as England secured a dominant innings victory against the West Indies.
Playing his 188th and final Test, Anderson was given a guard of honour from both sets of players as he walked onto the pitch as an England player for one final time.
“Obviously this morning was quite emotional with the two teams lined up and the reaction from the crowd,” Anderson said from the changing room immediately after play to Sky Sports. “I’m still trying to hold back the tears now. Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m happy I’ve made it this far. It’s the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to be able to do it.”
As a contest, this match had long been over, with the West Indies starting play still trailing by 169 runs with only four wickets remaining. Nevertheless, by 11am Lord’s was packed, as fans wished to witness the great fast bowler one more time.
Jimmy Anderson's final ever Test wicket, set to the Titanic music - because why not? 😭 pic.twitter.com/emkeanKMBQ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024
To the joy of everyone, Anderson, who will continue with this squad for the rest of the summer in a mentorship role, proceeded to play his greatest hits immediately, as in just his second over of the day, he induced a false shot from Joshua Da Silva who was caught behind.
Doing his best to steal the limelight though was Gus Atkinson, who finished with match figures of 12 for 106, the best in history by an England debutant.
Try as he might though, today was all about one man in Anderson. Captain Ben Stokes kept the ball in Anderson’s hand to give him the best chance of taking the match winning wicket and he had the chance when Gudakesh Motie chipped a simple caught and bowled chance back to him only for Anderson to put it down. Heads went into hands all around the ground, but Anderson allowed himself more than a wry smile as his skipper and teammates stifled a laugh.
“I’m still gutted I dropped that catch, to be honest,” Anderson said. “It’s been an amazing week, I’ve been quite overwhelmed with the reaction. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
It’s been an amazing week, I’ve been quite overwhelmed with the reaction. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved
His long-term team-mate Stuart Broad famously managed to depart Test cricket by taking the winning wicket with his final ball for England, but that there wasn’t to be the same fairytale finish for Anderson, as Atkinson took the last wicket of the match to complete his second five-wicket haul of the game and ensure that Anderson signed off in an England shirt with a win.
“We talk a lot in the dressing room about creating memories,” Anderson finished. “And it’s not just for us in here, it’s for our families as well. They’ve been incredible supporting me from back home to allow me to play for as long as I have. I’m grateful that they got a chance to be part of this week as well.
“I’ve been lucky to play with some amazing players, some of the most talented cricketers that have ever played the game but more importantly some friends for life. It is a sport that creates this sort of atmosphere and these sort of friendships.
“I feel about 55 after the overs I’ve bowled this week! I’m just happy I’ve made it this far. I’m going to stick around with these guys for the rest of the summer and try to help out the bowling group. We’ll see where life takes us after that."
