THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, May 11: After the first test match against the West Indies at Lord’s in July, England’s legendary seam bowler James Anderson will retire from international cricket. Anderson himself made the announcement on Saturday.
With 700 wickets in 187 Test matches, 41-year-old Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in Test history, trailing only Australia’s Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets).
He is also the player to have played the second most number of Test matches, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (200 Tests).
“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test”, Anderson posted on Instagram.
The first test match between England and the West Indies is scheduled for July 10–14.
Also Read- Rishabh Pant faces one-match ban for third slow over rate offence
“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling,” he added.
View this post on Instagram
Anderson had earlier aspired to participate in England’s six Tests scheduled for this summer against West Indies and Sri Lanka. He even indicated the possibility of continuing his career until the 2025-26 Ashes, when he would be 43, without completely dismissing the idea.
However, Anderson was told the squad needed to look beyond him this summer in order to develop toward that tour of Australia after a recent in-person meeting with Test head coach Brendon McCullum on the golf course alongside discussions with managing director Rob Key.
