LONDON: England’s James Anderson will retire from international cricket after the team’s first test of the home summer against the West Indies at Lord’s, starting July 10.
Announcing his decision on an Instagram post, Anderson said: “Just a note to say that the first test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last test.”
“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’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,” Anderson added.
The decision will put an end to his 21-year career, during which he emerged as the most accomplished fast bowler in history.
Nicknamed the “Burnley Express,” Anderson has not said anything about whether he would continue playing county cricket for his club Lancashire, which renamed the Pavilion End at Old Trafford as the James Anderson End.
The 41-year-old cricketer has accumulated 700 test wickets, ranking third on the all-time list behind Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Australia’s Shane Warne (708).
Anderson, who debuted for England at Lord’s in 2003, will wrap up his remarkable career at the same location with his 188th test match, a mere fortnight before turning 42.
England’s first match of a three-test series against the West Indies takes place from July 10 to 14.
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