If you start, you have to stop. James Anderson’s two-decade-long, colorful cricket career is also coming to an end. He will play the farewell test against the West Indies at Lord’s on Wednesday. This is the 188th test of his career. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200 tests) was ahead. No power bowler has taken 700 Test wickets like Anderson. Lord’s journey began at the age of 41. He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003. He is retiring in that field. A circle seems to be complete.
Advice for future cricketers in this climate. Anderson said, ‘Test cricket has developed me. I have learned a lot over the years and have learned tolerance. I know that youngsters can earn a lot of money by bowling four overs in T20 cricket. But nowhere else do I get the joy of outsmarting someone in a test. I hope the next generation will want to play tests without running after the dollar. Anderson took seven wickets for 35 runs for Lancashire last week. As a result, he is in rhythm.
The practice is so that he is forced to walk the path of retirement. However, he said, “My goal is to win the team by bowling well.” There will be emotions. But I don’t want to cry. Seamer Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith are making their debuts in this test. Chris Woakes, who was the best in last year’s tests, also returns to the team. England will be led by Ben Stokes, as usual. Cricket lovers are waiting to see what power baseball shows this time. On the other hand, with Kemar Roach ruled out with an injury, the West Indies’ pace attack is dependent on Algeri Joseph. Former captain Jason Holder has been brought back.