The greatest fast bowler to play the game. 188 Tests and 704 wickets. England's all-time wicket taker. Legend.
Jimmy Anderson ended his illustrious international career at the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, and in a typically Jimmy way he said he would like to be remembered as a “decent” bowler. We think you were.
Anderson took four wickets in the match to take his overall tally to 704 wickets and sit third on the all-time list of Test bowlers, only four wickets behind the late Shane Warne.
In moving and celebratory scenes at Lord’s, Anderson was given a guard of honour by both teams at the beginning of the day, then later appeared on the England balcony.
“The way I have loved the sport so much, I would love for there to be people out there that have taken up the game because they have watched me bowl,” said the 41-year-old.
“That people have been entertained by watching me bowl and there are kids or grown-ups who have taken up the art of swing bowling because they have seen me bowl. That would make me so happy.”
Anderson is the most successful pace bowler in the history of the game, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Warne ahead of him on the all-time list. In a 21-year career he won more caps than any other England player, but said he retires without ever feeling like he was a “great” of the game.
“You go so up and down,” he told Sky Sports. “Some series you feel amazing and some not quite on it and a batter gets the better of you.
“Playing against Virat Kohli in the early days, you felt you could get him out every ball and then recently like you can’t get him out at all. You feel so inferior.
“I have never felt great at any stage. I know that sounds strange. I have always thought ‘how can I get better for the next series?’. That has helped me play for such a long time.”
England won the first Test at Lord’s by an innings and 114 runs, but it was another bowler who stole the headlines. Debutant Gus Atkinson took 12 wickets in the match, finishing with 12/106, the best figures by an England debutant in 134 years.
Second Test begins on Thursday at Trent Bridge, before England and West Indies arrive in Birmingham for the third and final Test from Friday 26 July.
First two days are sold out, but limited tickets are still left for the third and fourth days. Premium Tickets on our Seat Unique Terrace, offering a panoramic views of the action on our rooftop location and a free drink, are still available for all days.
VIP Experiences are also still available from our official providers Keith Prowse, with Day One sold out, offering inclusive drinks and best seats in our premium suites.
Additional tickets released for West Indies Test
A small number of tickets have been released for the first three days of our Men’s Test against West Indies this summer (26-30 July).
Over 80,000 tickets have been sold across the five days and remaining tickets are expected to go quickly.
Hospitality and Premium Tickets are still available for all days.
