James Anderson has revealed that England’s first Test of the summer will be his last.
Anderson confirmed the match against West Indies at Lord’s in July, three weeks shy of his 42nd birthday, will represent his farewell to an international career stretching back to 2002.
‘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,’ he posted on his social media channels.
‘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.
James Anderson will retire from England duties after the first Test of the summer at Lord’s
The 41-year-old confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Saturday morning after news broke on Friday evening
Anderson (pictured winning 2013 Ashes) has most five-wicket hauls in English cricket history
‘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 made the announcement after it was revealed that England coach Brendon McCullum had flown from New Zealand to discuss his future and advise that it was time for the team to move on from a bowler who took his 700th Test wicket on the recent tour of India.
Ben Stokes’ England team begin their summer on July 10, at the ground where Anderson marked his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 by taking the first of his 32 five-wicket hauls.
And the first of three matches against West Indies will truly mark the end of an era, following the retirement of Anderson’s long-term, new ball partner Stuart Broad at the end of last year’s Ashes.
It is with the next series against Australia in mind that England’s hierarchy decided to move away from the Lancastrian.
The bowler (left, with Nasser Hussain in 2003) has enjoyed a 22-year international career
Anderson is eight wickets away from reaching Shane Warne’s titanic Test haul of 708 wickets
Another of England’s elder statesmen, Stuart Broad (right), retired after last summer’s Ashes
He will be 43 by the time they embark on the 2025-26 tour and the ending of his illustrious career provides a build-up period in which to construct a new-look attack.
As Mail Sport reported on Friday, Anderson was frustrated that news of the plan to give others opportunity had got out before he was able to get his head round how the end of his career would come about.
It was apparent that he wanted to be able to persuade the selectors of his worth through performance.
However, following Saturday’s statement, his final one will fittingly be at the home of cricket, and he will enter it requiring eight wickets to match the great Shane Warne’s career tally of 708.
