James Anderson played his final Test match at Lord's against the West Indies today (July 12) - here's how the cricket community gave a farewell to the legendary fast bowler.
Anderson announced his retirement last month, revealing that a conversation with England coach Brendon McCullum left him with not much choice but to retire as the team planned ahead for the next Ashes series.
Still admittedly fit as ever, Anderson turned up for one final time in Test cricket at Lord's, playing his 188th game, the second-most by any player in the history of cricket.
Also read: Watch: James Anderson receives guard of honour on last day as Test cricketer
In the first innings, Anderson took a solitary wicket as West Indies were bowled out for 121. England piled on the agony for the visitors, scoring 371 and taking a 250-run lead, which they weren't able to overcome as they were bowled out for 136 in the second innings, handing England the match by an innings and 114 runs.
In his final outing with the ball, Anderson took 3-32 to finish with 704 wickets to his name, the third highest by any bowler ever after Muttiah Muralidaran and Shane Warne.
As expected, tributes and reactions poured in for one of the greatest players the game has ever seen as he set off into retirement. Sachin Tendulkar, the only person to have played more Test matches than Anderson, wrote that he's "inspired generations with his game".
Jimmy Anderson ran into bowl more than 40000 times in Tests. So he's run somewhere north of 700KMs in Tests to deliver the ball.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) July 12, 2024
Good spell, that.
Jimmy Anderson finishes with 704 Test wickets at 26.45. Don't pretend you don't have a lump in your throat.
— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) July 12, 2024
I remain in denial about Anderson. Quite simply the bowler I’ve most relished watching.
— daniel norcross (@norcrosscricket) July 12, 2024
Today we will see His Grace, The Duke of Burnley bowl for the last time in Test Cricket. It may be the last time ever.
— WG RumblePants (@WG_RumblePants) July 12, 2024
So cherish and enjoy it. He is a very special player.
Thank you @jimmy9 for years of wonderful skill, elite performance and unrivalled entertainment.
Go well pic.twitter.com/njDyNlEH9q
Huge respect to @jimmy9 on an amazing test career 🫡 You were a beast on the pitch, always keeping the batters on their toes, 704 wickets is insane 🚀 Congrats on an incredible journey bhai. You'll be missed🫶🏽#IamGAME #JamesAnderson #TestCricket #Legend pic.twitter.com/qJTgTV0OOy
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) July 12, 2024
End of an era.
— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024
Thank you, Jimmy Anderson 👏#WTC25 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/lJ3kFSHgUX
It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024
Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace… pic.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6
Hey Jimmy!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024
You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye.
It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game.
Wish you a wonderful life… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1
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