James Anderson: From Quiet Debutant to Legendary Pacer

James Anderson, the legendary English pacer, is bidding farewell to international cricket after over two decades of service. Former England cricketer Mark Butcher recently shared his first impressions of Anderson, who made his debut in 2002.

Butcher recalled Anderson's debut Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's in 2003, where the young pacer's spiked hair was the only "loud thing" about him. "Very, very quiet, very, very shy, kept himself to himself," Butcher said.

Despite his unassuming demeanor, Anderson's bowling skills were evident from the start. "He bowled some incredible deliveries, turning batters into an S," Butcher said. "We felt as though, wow, you have got a really talented kid here."

Butcher noted that Anderson was quicker early in his career, but his skill with the ball has compensated for any loss in pace. "He's still doing it 21 years later, something that nobody would have been able to have predicted," Butcher added.

Anderson's remarkable career includes 701 wickets in 187 Test matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in the format and the leading fast bowler. He has also taken 269 wickets in 194 ODIs and 18 wickets in 19 T20Is.

In the ongoing first Test against West Indies at Lord's, Anderson is playing his final international match. England won the toss and elected to field, with West Indies being bowled out for 121 runs. Anderson took one wicket, while Gus Atkinson claimed a seven-fer.

England has since crossed the 300-run mark in their first innings, with a 200-plus run-lead. Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes are currently at the crease.

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