Jimmy Anderson's Farewell: A Tribute to a Great and a Glimpse into Coaching Styles

When coach Brendon McCullum flew over from New Zealand to inform Jimmy Anderson, England's most successful Test bowler, that his time was up, it was a testament to both parties. Anderson's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit were evident in his desire to continue, while McCullum's decision to personally deliver the news spoke volumes about his coaching style and the reasons behind England's recent success.

In contrast, the Indian administration has sometimes handled such matters with less sensitivity. In 1979, the team's skipper, Venkatraghavan, was informed of his sacking via a pilot's announcement during a flight home from England. This was the first time Venkatraghavan had heard of the decision.

Anderson, who will turn 42 in July, is likely to play his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord's the same month. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200) has played more Tests, and only Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) have taken more wickets than Anderson's 700. Remarkably, Anderson claimed 220 of those wickets after the age of 35, at a better average, demonstrating his ability to improve with age.

For several years after his debut, Anderson carried two burdens. One, that he was effective only in home conditions where the ball swung, and two, that while he was capable of producing magical deliveries, he seemed more focused on bowling dot balls. However, when England won a series in India after 28 years in 2012-13, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed the victory to Jimmy Anderson.

Anderson credited Zaheer Khan for teaching him the art of reverse swing and admitted that his famous wobble ball was somewhat of a lottery due to its unpredictable nature. Few players have spoken with such honesty about their craft.

Despite its dignity and humanism, it seemed incongruous that a coach's nudge was necessary before such an obvious decision was made. Perhaps Anderson himself was relieved that the decision had been taken out of his hands. Most sportsmen have an instinct for recognizing when the time comes, but great ones sometimes don't, because they have often come out of slumps in the past and believe they can do so again.

Anderson's five wickets in four matches in the Ashes series at an average of 85.4 was a hint he refused to acknowledge. He struggled in India (except for a magical spell in Visakhapatnam), but kept repeating variations of "I am as fit as I have been; I am at my best now," statements he had made in the past.

Yet, even if he got his timing slightly wrong, it didn't detract from his stature as one of the greats of the game. It would be a toss-up between him and Glenn McGrath for the title of the finest bowler of their type in modern times.

McGrath hit his groove early and finished with nearly the same average bowling at home or away. Yet it was Anderson who might win the argument as a player who asked more questions more consistently of batters who were conscious of the fact that the near-unplayable ball was just around the corner — and he could bend it as few could.

Anderson played for longer and reinvented himself periodically, cutting pace for accuracy and bowling with a grace and seeming lack of effort which is one of the game's great sights. He was experimenting with a new run-up at 41. "His ability to keep wanting to improve has been extraordinary," wrote his former captain and friend Alastair Cook.

Anderson has played 70% of all the Tests England have since his debut. That, for a fast bowler, is an incredible record, testimony to his skill, fitness, hunger, success, consistency, and ability to improve.

Should players be allowed the time and place for the final goodbye? It can be a tribute to long years of service (Anderson made his debut in 2003) as well as a profitable marketing ploy. Anderson's time had come. He was allowed to choose the place. It is a happy compromise.

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