Jimmy Anderson said playing in the 2025-26 Ashes felt “like a stretch” after he announced that the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s in July will mark his England farewell.
The Guardian revealed on Friday that this summer would be Anderson’s last as a Test cricketer after the 41-year-old held talks with the England head coach, Brendon McCullum, who wants to build an attack for the long haul. Anderson confirmed his retirement in an Instagram post, stating that the series opener will be his final Test. Lord’s – where he began his Test career 21 years ago against Zimbabwe, claiming five wickets – will host the final wave goodbye from 10 July.
