James Anderson knows that the coming few days are going to be one of the most emotional days of his life. The England pacer is set to bring an end to his international career at Lord’s, the same venue where he made his Test debut back in 2003.
A packed Lord’s is expected for one of England’s greatest cricketers who will walk into the sunset as Test cricket’s most successfull fast bowler. Anderson has 700 wickets in 187 Tests, the third most in Test cricket after Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
Anderson says he’s trying to focus on his performance alone to avoid crying.
“I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I’d feel about it,” Anderson said. “I’m trying to be as focused as I can. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying.”
Nearly a year ago, England bid goodbye to another one of its stalwarts in Stuart Broad who went out with a bang. Broad took the final Australia wicket in the fifth and final Test of Ashes 2023 at The Oval to help England win by 49 runs and force a 2-2 draw.
Prior to that, Broad struck a six off his final ball of international career but Anderson doesn’t picture him emulating his former bowling partner.
“I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like Broady did. I’ve hit five sixes in my international career. In 188 games, it’s not looking positive hitting a six this week. But I’d love to just be able to contribute somehow this week, whether it’s one wicket,” Anderson said.
“That’s the reason I’ve played cricket for so long, to experience those moments of winning series, winning games, in the dressing room after, sharing a beer with the other guys, knowing that everyone’s worked really hard to achieve that goal. I’d love to be able to sit down at the end of the Test match with a beer with all the lads and have them win the game,” he added.
