Jimmy's farewell as he ends legendary career

The greatest fast bowler to play the game. 188 Tests and 704 wickets. England's all-time wicket taker. Legend.

chrisa

2024-07-16T06:46:51.000Z

Jimmy Anderson ended his illustrious international career at the first Test against West Indies at Lord's, and in a typically Jimmy way he said he would like to be remembered as a “decent” bowler. We think you were.

Anderson took four wickets in the match to take his overall tally to 704 wickets and sit third on the all-time list of Test bowlers, only four wickets behind the late Shane Warne.

In moving and celebratory scenes at Lord’s, Anderson was given a guard of honour by both teams at the beginning of the day, then later appeared on the England balcony.

“The way I have loved the sport so much, I would love for there to be people out there that have taken up the game because they have watched me bowl,” said the 41-year-old.

Anderson is the most successful pace bowler in the history of the game, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Warne ahead of him on the all-time list. In a 21-year career he won more caps than any other England player, but said he retires without ever feeling like he was a “great” of the game.

“You go so up and down,” he told Sky Sports. “Some series you feel amazing and some not quite on it and a batter gets the better of you.

“Playing against Virat Kohli in the early days, you felt you could get him out every ball and then recently like you can’t get him out at all. You feel so inferior.

England won the first Test at Lord's by an innings and 114 runs, but it was another bowler who stole the headlines. Debutant Gus Atkinson took 12 wickets in the match, finishing with 12/106, the best figures by an England debutant in 134 years.

Second Test begins on Thursday at Trent Bridge, before England and West Indies arrive in Birmingham for the third and final Test from Friday 26 July.

First two days are sold out, but limited tickets are still left for the third and fourth days. Premium Tickets on our Seat Unique Terrace, offering a panoramic views of the action on our rooftop location and a free drink, are still available for all days.

VIP Experiences are also still available from our official providers Keith Prowse, with Day One sold out, offering inclusive drinks and best seats in our premium suites.