James Anderson’s farewell test to be against West Indies next Wednesday

James Anderson, the evergreen fast bowler who has been the cornerstone of England’s Test cricket for over two decades, is set to play his last test match next Wednesday. The 41-year-old announced that the upcoming Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, commencing on July 10, will be his swan song.

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Anderson’s career spanning over 187 Test matches includes 700 wickets, making him England’s all-time leading wicket-taker. His journey began at Lord’s in 2003 against Zimbabwe, and it is fitting that his Test match journey ends at the same hallowed ground.

His impact on the game is immeasurable, having become only the third man in history to reach the 700-wicket milestone earlier this year during the final match of England’s tour to India.

His last appearance on the cricket field was on March 10 in Dharamsala against India. This return to action at Lord’s will be a poignant moment, marking not only the end of a glittering Test match career but also a homecoming to where it all began.

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The decision to retire was not made lightly. Anderson met with head coach Brendon McCullum, captain Ben Stokes, and managing director Rob Key in April to discuss his future.

After much deliberation, he opted to retire, a decision that was publicly announced on 11 May following media reports. Despite his announcement, Anderson confessed, “Some days I wake up and wish I was not retiring.”