Tag: James Anderson

West Indies legend Brian Lara heaped high praise on retiring England veteran James Anderson, calling him the greatest pacer ever to grace the field.

41-year-old Anderson will play his last Test match against West Indies, starting on July 10, at the iconic Lord’s, the same venue where he made his debut 21 years ago against Zimbabwe.

Lara, while talking about Anderson’s career, lauded the veteran pacer and acknowledged his legacy as the greatest among all the pace bowlers.

“He is the greatest fast bowler that has ever played the game. His numbers are incredible, and he has served England well. I know he did not have that in mind (retiring from cricket), but I think he has accepted it. If that is the choice of his captain, coach, and selectors, then so be it,” Lara said.

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“He has had a tremendous career for England. There are not many England cricketers who come close to Anderson (when asked about Anderson’s legacy). He has taken the most Test wickets as a fast bowler and had a career that lasted for over 23 years.”

Brian Lara name-dropped his fellow countryman Courtney Walsh as the only fast bowler, who is nearly as great as James Anderson.

“I think only Courtney Walsh comes close to him in terms of the number of years he has played, but his legacy is going to be tremendous, and I think as an English cricketer, he has the respect of the world.”

For the unversed, Anderson is the only pacer in history to take more than 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

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Experienced pacer James Anderson is set to join England’s coaching set-up as the fast-bowling mentor, following his retirement from Test cricket next week.

41-year-old Anderson will play his last Test match against West Indies at the iconic Lord’s, the same venue where he made his debut 21 years ago against Zimbabwe.

Anderson is the only pacer in history to take more than 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

England managing director Rob Key acknowledged James Anderson “got so much to offer” and thus offered him the role to serve as the mentor for the young pacers.

“He’s got so much to offer English cricket. We don’t want to see that go.

“When we asked him, he was keen. He is going to have a lot of options. English cricket would be very lucky if he chooses to stay in the game.”

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For the unversed, James Anderson is currently representing Lancashire in the ongoing County Championship.

The pacer is yet to decide regarding his future with the County side but Rob Key confirmed that he will remain with the England team till the summer.

“What he does with Lancashire will probably work out after the Lord’s Test,” said Key.

“We’ve got some conversations to have after to find out what he thinks is the best thing to do. Everything so far has been him gearing up for this Test match,” Key concluded.

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England great James Anderson has said there are moments when he questions his upcoming retirement from Test cricket, although he is happy with his decision “90 per cent” of the time.

The most successful fast bowler in the format’s history, with 700 wickets, Anderson announced earlier this month that the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July would mark his farewell to England duty.

Anderson, who will turn 42 next month, said Wednesday he had thoughts about playing on, having reached an age where most pace bowlers are long since retired.

“In my head I feel like I could play for 10 years,” Anderson told his BBC Tailenders podcast. “Obviously I realise that is not realistic.

“Some days I wake up and wish I was not retiring but then 90 percent of the time I’m happy with it.

“Not many people in sport get the chance to retire from sport at over 40. I’m happy I’ve made it this far.”

Only spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have taken more Test wickets than James Anderson.

The England spearhead needs nine more wickets in his final match to surpass late Australia hero Warne’s tally, with Muralitharan way out in front on 800 Test wickets.

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James Anderson’s decision to retire from Tests followed talks with captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of England men’s cricket Rob Key with team chiefs looking to refresh their attack ahead of the 2025/26 Ashes in Australia.

He could yet remain with England in a backroom capacity during the rest of the season, while Anderson has yet to decide whether he will continue to represent Lancashire, with an end at the county’s Old Trafford headquarters in Manchester named after him.

The past few years have seen repeated speculation about Anderson’s future, with the swing specialist saying much of the talk had proved a mental burden.

“There’s probably been two or three moments on the field, if the opposition are 500 for three, I’ll be thinking, ‘do I really want to still be doing this?'” he said. “They are fleeting thoughts — nothing that has stuck with me for more than an over.

“I don’t know how much of that was me and how much it was the external noise that comes with ageing. For the last six years, or even longer, it’s been, ‘how long can you go on for?’

“That in itself, certainly for the last couple of years, has been quite draining.”

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LONDON: England men’s teams managing director Rob Key on Monday, disclosed how veteran pacer James Anderson’s decision to retire from Test cricket was reached.

Key appeared in the BBC’s Test Match Special podcast and shared he, England Test captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum wanted to talk with the pacer and thus convinced him to meet in person.

“When we made the decision and we thought, ‘OK, we need to go and meet Jimmy and discuss the future’, Brendon came to the conclusion that the right thing to do was to fly over to England [from New Zealand],” Key told the BBC’s Test Match Special podcast.

“The three of us went up to see him: myself and Brendon caught the train up from London, and Stokesy was in Manchester, getting ready to fly out to America for a family holiday.

Rob Key further shared that James Anderson was not expecting the discussion about his retirement.

“We all met Jimmy in a hotel near the station and we had a conversation for about an hour and a half, which Baz led. I don’t think Jimmy was expecting it, but I don’t think it was completely unexpected.”

“We just sort of said, ‘Look, I think it’s time for us to move on.’ We’re coming to a stage now where we’ve got to start looking towards the future… people now need the opportunity to learn how to bowl with that new ball, to go through a day’s worth of Test cricket and then realise they’ve got to back it up the next day. Now’s the time that people have to start learning that,” Key said.

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For the unversed, England’s veteran pacer James Anderson announced Saturday that he will retire from Test cricket this summer.

“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test,” stated Anderson.

“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.

“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.

“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it.

“See you at the Test, go well.”

James Anderson is the only pacer in history to take 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

READ: AB de Villiers extends best wishes to retiring James Anderson

Former captain of South Africa AB de Villiers has extended his best wishes to England’s veteran pacer James Anderson, who is set to retire from international cricket this summer.

41-year-old Anderson will play his last Test match against West Indies at the iconic Lord’s, the same venue where he made his debut 21 years ago against Zimbabwe.

AB de Villiers took to his official X account and sent his heartfelt wishes to the legendary pace bowler.

“Congrats on an incredible career, Jimmy. Always enjoyed our battles on the field. And the fierce competitive spirit you brought to the table throughout those 20 glorious years. Wishing you the best for that final Test at Lord’s, and the next chapter,” De Villiers posted.

Congrats on an incredible career, Jimmy 🫡 Always enjoyed our battles on the field. And the fierce competitive spirit you brought to the table throughout those 20 glorious years.

Wishing you the best for that final Test at Lord's, and the next chapter 🙌 https://t.co/Z5zAEiw3ea

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 11, 2024

Anderson announced the decision to hang up his boots yesterday through a personal statement on his official Instagram account.

“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test,” Anderson wrote.

“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.

 

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A post shared by James Anderson (@jimmya9)

“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.

“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it. See you at the Test, go well.”

James Anderson is the only pacer in history to take 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

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LONDON: England’s veteran pacer James Anderson announced Saturday that he will retire from Test cricket this summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed.

In a statement, the ECB shared that Anderson announced his retirement via a personal statement.

“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test,” stated Anderson in an ECB-released statement.

“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.

“I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.

“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it.

“See you at the Test, go well.”

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Notably, Anderson’s retirement came just a day after The Guardian’s report which claimed that England Test head coach Brendon McCullum flew from New Zealand to have a one-on-one discussion with Anderson regarding his future in the side.

According to the details, McCullum informed Anderson over a round of golf that he foresees the future in a build-up to the Ashes 2025-26.

James Anderson is the only pacer in history to take 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

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LONDON: Star England pacer James Anderson is likely to call time on his illustrious 22-year-long career at the end of the 2024 summer, the Guardian reported Friday.

According to the details, England Test head coach Brendon McCullum reached the United Kingdom (UK) from New Zealand earlier this week and told the right-arm pacer over a round of golf that he looks forward to the future, in a build-up to the Ashes 2025-26.

However, neither Anderson nor the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) commented on the reports.

But the veteran pacer may address the claims this Saturday as he is scheduled to appear on the BBC’s coverage of the first Women’s T20I between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston.

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Anderson will turn 42 by the conclusion of England’s three-match series against West Indies in July and could hang up his boots during their subsequent series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence at his home ground, Old Trafford, in August.

James Anderson is the only pacer in history to take 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone during England’s fifth away Test against India, in March this year.

He is also the third in the list of players with the most Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

The pacer is currently the oldest active player in international cricket, making his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s.

He bowled Mark Vermeulen to take his first wicket in Test cricket and has taken 700 wickets at an average under 27 with 32 five-wicket hauls.

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DHARAMSALA: England’s pace bowler James Anderson claimed his 700th wicket in Test cricket during the fifth Test against India here on Saturday.

The 41-year-old pacer got Kuldeep Yadav caught behind on the third day to reach the elusive milestone and became only the third bowler to do so.

He is also the first pacer to take 700 Test wickets, only behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) of Sri Lanka and the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) of Australia.

Anderson started the series with 10 wickets away from the coveted landmark and acheived the feat in his 187th Test. Meanwhile, Muralitharan took 113 Test matches.

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The pacer is currently the oldest active player in international cricket, making his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s.

He bowled Mark Vermeulen to take his first wicket in Test cricket and has taken 700 wickets at an average under 27 with 32 five-wicket hauls.

Meanwhile, Anderson’s historic 700th wicket was followed by Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal at the hands of Shoaib Bashir to bowl India at 477.

England, who started their second innings trailing by 259, were 103-5 at lunch on day three at the picturesque Dharamsala stadium.

Ravichandran Ashwin, in his landmark 100th Test, took four wickets including skipper Ben Stokes, who was bowled for two at the stroke of lunch. Joe Root was batting on 34.

READ: Rohit, Gill hit tons to stretch India’s lead against England

England fast bowler James Anderson insists that turning 41 on Sunday will not push him into retirement, claiming he “has a lot more to give”.

England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 690 Test victims, is enduring a rare lean patch in the ongoing Ashes series against Australia.

So far he has taken only five wickets in the four matches he has played with one more innings left in the fifth Test at The Oval to add to his tally.

“As soon as you get into your 30s as a bowler, people are asking how long you’ve got left,” Anderson told the BBC’s Test Match Special after the second day’s play on Friday.

“But in the past three or four years, I’ve bowled as well as I ever have. I feel like I’ve been in so much control, my body has been in a good place, my skills are as good as they ever have been.

“In terms of retirement, I’ve got no interest in going any time soon. I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give.”

James Anderson dismissed Mitchell Marsh on Friday as Australia were bowled out for 295, a lead of just 12 runs in the first innings.

Having missed the win at Headingley which brought England back to 2-1 down in the series, it extended a run that has seen Anderson not play in a Test win against Australia since 2015.

“I don’t feel like I’m bowling badly or losing pace or that I’m on the way out,” said James Anderson. “I still feel I can offer a lot to this team.”

It is pertinent to mention that Australia retained the Ashes after the fourth Test against England ended in a rain-affected draw, with bad weather at Old Trafford washing out Sunday’s final day.

The result ensured Australia, as the holders, kept the Ashes at 2-1 up with one match left in the series — regardless of the result of next week’s fifth Test at The Oval.

Heavy overnight rain left the outfield sodden and meant play was unable to start as scheduled at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in Manchester.

No sooner had it been announced that play would resume at 1200 GMT, provided there was no further rain, the ground was subjected to a fresh downpour lasting several hours.

The match was officially abandoned by the umpires as a draw at 1624 GMT.

Despite this draw, Australia will still have to avoid defeat at The Oval if they are to secure their first Ashes series win in England since 2001.

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England have named an unchanged team for the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval starting Thursday, with record wicket-taker James Anderson keeping his place in the side.

James Anderson’s 689 Test wickets are the most taken by any fast bowler, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) ahead of the veteran seamer.

But in this year’s Ashes, James Anderson, 41 on Sunday, has taken just four wickets in three Tests at a costly average of 76.75 apiece.

Nevertheless, he has kept his place in an attack where both Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have been passed fit.

Australia have already retained the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play following last week’s rain-marred draw at Old Trafford.

But a win for Ben Stokes’s men in London would deny their arch-rivals a first Ashes series victory in England since 2001.

James Anderson insisted in a recent newspaper column he has no intention of retiring and plans to continue a Test career that already spans 20 years so long as he is wanted by the England set-up.

And England captain Stokes, speaking at a pre-match press conference at The Oval on Wednesday, said Anderson was still part of his plans.

“Jimmy Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game,” he said.

“He’s not had the impact and the wickets he’d have liked to in this series, he’s come under a bit of flak, but he’s a quality performer.”

Stokes, meanwhile also paid tribute to Stuart Broad, Anderson’s longstanding new-ball colleague.

The Nottinghamshire seamer is the leading wicket-taker in the Ashes and is now about to appear in his sixth Test in a row this season, having featured in the off-match against Ireland at Lord’s.

“At 37 years old it’s testament to the work and effort he puts in,” said Stokes.

“It’s amazing. It was always going to be hard for one bowler to play every game this series but he’s been incredible for us. He’s been very good at coming on with the ball and changing the game.”

England team for fifth Ashes Test:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

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