James Anderson bid adieu to international cricket after his farewell Test against the West Indies at the Lord’s in London on Friday. His farewell Test started with his family ringing the bell to start the proceedings at the mecca of cricket and it ended with the hosts giving him a guard of honor on Day 3, when England won by an innings and 114 runs.
Following his final run, tributes poured in for the England great from all quarters of the world. Batting great Sachin Tendulkar, whom Anderson considers the best batter he has bowled against, was one the first to wish him well for his second innings along with special posts from the ICC, umpire Richard Kettleborough, cricket fans, and other members of the fraternity.
“Hey Jimmy! You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl – with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game. Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life – the time with family,” Tendulkar said in a post on X.
“End of an era. Thank you, Jimmy Anderson 👏 #WTC25 #ENGvWI,” ICC said in their post.
“21 Years 188 Games 40,001 Deliveries 703 Wickets For the Final Time, Jimmy Anderson 🫡 The Greatest Ever 👏🏻 #ENGvWI #JamesAnderson,” umpire Richard Kettleborough said.
“Royal farewell to arguably cricket’s finest swing bowler – James Anderson.🫡 England’s greatest ever bowler is honoured with a Guard of Honour as he walks out for the final time at Lord’s. 🙌,” RCB posted.
Check out the tributes here:
End of an era.
Thank you, Jimmy Anderson 👏#WTC25 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/lJ3kFSHgUX
— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024
TEARS AT LORD’S..!!!!!!
– Farewell, James Anderson. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/XWx0DWLWFf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 12, 2024
Happy retirement to the greatest bowler of this century – James Anderson
Your name will be etched in history and noone in future will be able to take 704 wickets. Adios pic.twitter.com/13yMqKd9ea
— U M A R (@Agrumpycomedian) July 12, 2024
A well deserved Guard of Honor for James Anderson 🫡#WTC25 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/ETUEoMWtGx
— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024
End Of An Era.
James Anderson 👍❤️💐#JamesAnderson pic.twitter.com/Qk7h7IXv3p— 🇮🇳 Vishal JyotiDev Agarwal (@JyotiDevSpeaks) July 12, 2024
Anderson scalped four wickets in his farewell Test to take his tally to 704. He finished as the all-time highest wicket taker for England in the longest format and recorded the most wickets for any fast bowler.
The fast bowling great finished behind spin greats Muthaih Muralidaran (800) and Shane Warne (708) in the wicket tally.
