England fast bowler James Anderson will retire from test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord’s starting July 10, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the international game.
It will be the 41-year-old Anderson’s 188th test match - only India great Sachin Tendulkar (200) has more - and gives him one more chance to add to his total of 700 test wickets, comfortably the most by a pacer. Only spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have more test wickets.
“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid,” Anderson, who made his test debut in 2003 also at Lord’s, said Saturday.
“I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realize their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.”
The announcement by Anderson came after he held talks with England test coach Brendon McCullum.
McCullum made a visit to Britain from his native New Zealand and spoke to the Anderson over a round of golf, the Guardian newspaper and other parts of British media have reported.
“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf,” Anderson said.
“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.”
Anderson, who turns 42 on July 30, has taken just 15 wickets in his last eight tests at an average of 50.8 so England is looking to the future.
Stuart Broad, Anderson’s longtime new-ball partner for England, retired from cricket last year.
England plays three tests each against the West Indies and Sri Lanka. One of them against the Sri Lankans is at Manchester’s Old Trafford, where Anderson has a stand named after him - but he’ll have played his last test by then.
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