James Anderson's Emotional Farewell After Legendary Test Career

Veteran pacer James Anderson bids farewell to his illustrious Test career, marked by 188 matches and over two decades, as England beats West Indies by an innings and 114 runs. Anderson reflects on his journey, emotional moments, and the support from family and teammates.

Veteran England pacer James Anderson bid adieu to his legendary Test career on Friday, expressing his struggle to hold back tears. Anderson wrapped up a career spanning 188 Test matches and more than two decades as England clinched victory against West Indies by an innings and 114 runs.

Speaking to Sky Cricket, Anderson conveyed his pride in playing for over 20 years. 'Obviously this morning was quite emotional with both teams lined up and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. But yeah, I'm still trying to hold them [tears] back now, but I'm just really proud of playing for 20-odd years. [It] is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler,' Anderson told ESPNcricinfo.

Anderson, 41, expressed his happiness in making it this far and being 'lucky enough' to have an almost injury-free career. 'I'm just happy that I've made it this far. Happy that I've been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career. And yeah, play for England. It's the best job in the world, so I've been privileged to be able to do it for a long time,' he added.

The veteran pacer shared the emotional moments of seeing his daughters ring the bell for the first Test match against West Indies at Lord's. 'Yeah, it's been different emotions, been so up and down. Saw my girls ring a bell on day one. Walking out today with both teams lined up again was pretty emotional. I forgot what I was actually trying to do with the ball. But yeah, it's been incredible. As I said, the reaction of the crowd was phenomenal. I can't get my head around it right now,' he said.

'But yeah, it's just been an amazing 20 years. Every moment, every great sports person, there is the family, mother, father, wife, kids, who allow you to do what you've done for so long,' he added. Anderson acknowledged his regret in dropping Gudakesh Motie's catch, which would have finished the game.

'I'm still gutted to have dropped that catch, to be honest. But yeah, it's been an amazing week. I've been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground and the lads as well, just proud of what I've achieved,' he further added. The 41-year-old appreciated playing with some amazing players in the England squad.

'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 really good blokes and friends that I've made for life,' he said. Recapping the first Test match between England and West Indies, Anderson took the first wicket of the day at Lord's, sending back Joshua Da Silva to nearly end West Indies' fight.

In Anderson's final showing, debutant Gus Atkinson etched his name onto the Lord's honours board with a ten-wicket haul—a proper passing of the baton. Earlier, England secured a significant first-innings lead, with five batters surpassing the half-century mark in a total of 371. Atkinson's seven-wicket haul had bowled West Indies out for 121 on day one.

With a 250-run lead, England's seamers reduced West Indies to six down by stumps on day two. While Atkinson shone, Anderson set the tone with a delivery that dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite, sealing England's win by an innings and 114 runs on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)