Cricket

James Anderson's illustrious Test career culminated at Lord's, where it had commenced 21 years ago. In the second innings, he claimed three wickets as England secured a resounding innings and 114-run victory over West Indies.Anderson's emotions were palpable after the match. "It was emotional this morning with the teams lined up and the crowd's reaction," he said. "I'm proud of playing for 20-odd years. It's an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler."Anderson's family witnessed his final Test moment. "It's been different emotions, up and down," he said. "Walking out today was emotional. I forgot what I was trying to do with the ball."Anderson finished his Test career with 704 wickets, narrowly missing out on a 705th when he dropped a catch off his own bowling. "I'm gutted to have dropped that catch," he admitted.Throughout his career, Anderson played alongside 109 teammates. "I've been lucky to play with some amazing players," he said. "Some of the most talented cricketers ever, but more importantly, some really good blokes and friends for life."Anderson emphasized the camaraderie in cricket. "No other sport creates this sort of atmosphere, these friendships," he said. "I'm a little jealous of these lads who get to experience that for the next few years."Asked about his most cherished feeling, Anderson replied, "Winning the Test match. There's no better feeling. Sharing other people's success is incredible."While he will miss the camaraderie, Anderson admitted, "I feel about 55 after the overs I've bowled this week. I'll miss the aches and pains."Anderson's future plans remain uncertain. "I'm going to stick around for the rest of the summer," he said. "I'll try to help the bowling group out as much as I can, and we'll see where life takes us after that."

James Anderson, the legendary English pace bowler, bid farewell to international cricket in style as England thrashed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord's.Anderson, playing in his 188th and final Test, took a wicket on the third day, marking the end of his illustrious career. Before the start of play, an emotional Anderson walked onto the field to a guard of honor and a standing ovation from the crowd.In his second over of the day, Anderson dismissed Joshua Da Silva for 9, claiming his 704th Test wicket. Da Silva's departure was quickly followed by that of Alzarri Joseph, who scored 8 runs. Joseph attempted to fight back with an aggressive approach but was caught by Ben Duckett, giving him his 10th wicket on his Test debut.Shamar Joseph then managed to score only 3 runs before being clean bowled by Gus Atkinson. Joseph's dismissal left Gudakesh Motie to resist England's bowlers. Motie, who remained not out at 31, managed to produce moments of resistance, including a drive to the cover boundary that prompted a lengthy chase and a dive from Anderson.There was a moment when Motie nearly handed Anderson his 705th Test wicket by driving the ball straight back to him, but Anderson spilled the catch. Anderson didn't get another opportunity to secure a final wicket.Atkinson brought the game to a close when Jayden Seales, who added 8 runs, was caught by Duckett, leaving West Indies all out for 136. This concluded a comprehensive win for England inside seven sessions.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. He is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs and has been a key figure in the team's success over the past two decades.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, may be on the cusp of retirement, but he proved on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies that his class remains undiminished.After England established a commanding 250-run lead in the first innings, Anderson returned to the bowling crease with a vengeance. Opening the attack, he struck an early blow, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a superb inswinger.Anderson's delivery was a testament to his enduring skill and experience. The ball dipped low and swung back in towards the right-handed Brathwaite, who was completely deceived. It was Anderson's 702nd Test wicket, a remarkable milestone in a career that has spanned over two decades."Top class from James Anderson," remarked Ian Bishop from the commentary box. "Finally, the good bowlers will find a way through."Anderson would strike again later in the day, picking up his 703rd wicket by dismissing Alick Athanaze. West Indies ended Day 2 on 79/6, staring at an innings defeat.However, with only four more wickets left, Anderson cannot surpass Shane Warne's tally of 708 Test wickets and become the second-highest Test wicket-taker. Muttiah Muralidharan still maintains the lead at 800 Test scalps.While Anderson's farewell game has been overshadowed by his own brilliance, another pacer has emerged as a potential star for England. 26-year-old Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut, ran through the West Indies batting, picking up seven wickets in the first innings.Atkinson's remarkable debut helped England bundle out the Windies for a paltry 121. In reply, England put up 371, courtesy of half-centuries from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and another debutant, Jamie Smith.Atkinson had been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024 but did not play a game and eventually withdrew from the squad. His performance in this Test match suggests that he has the potential to become a world-class bowler.As Anderson prepares to bid goodbye to Test cricket, the emergence of Atkinson provides a glimmer of hope for the future of English fast bowling.

England's return to Test cricket against West Indies marked a momentous occasion as legendary fast bowler James Anderson bid farewell to international cricket. Despite England's recent 1-4 defeat to India, former pacer Steve Harmison believes the team played well and gave India a "real headache" during the series.Harmison praised England's "Bazball" approach, which involves aggressive batting and a positive mindset. He believes that while India played better cricket in their home conditions, England's style of play still caused problems for the hosts."I thought they (England) played excellent cricket in India. They gave India some real headaches," Harmison said. "But then, all of a sudden, when you get to a point that you go, 'oh no, they've done it again'. How many times you see a crash of wickets? That's the problem, where you need to read a room."Harmison emphasized that England's red-ball cricket has improved significantly under the current regime. "The way these red ball players play now, it's far better than what it was in the previous regime," he said.Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first was met with cheers from the crowd, eager to witness Anderson's final Test appearance. Anderson, who has taken a record 700 Test wickets, received a standing ovation as he led England onto the field.Before the match, Anderson presented 26-year-old debutant Jamie Atkinson with his England cap, while his daughters rang the five-minute bell in the Pavilion.

The West Indies' plan to honor England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson with a guard of honor was disrupted by an unexpected moment of jubilation on day two of the first Test at Lord's.Anderson, who has taken a record-breaking 703 Test wickets, was playing his 188th and final Test for England. It is customary for the fielding team to form a guard of honor when a prominent opposition player is batting for the last time in a Test match.However, just before the 41-year-old Anderson walked out to a standing ovation from the packed crowd at Lord's, Mikyle Louis executed a brilliant run out to dismiss Shoaib Bashir, triggering exuberant celebrations among the West Indies players.As a result, when Anderson emerged from the pavilion, only former West Indies skipper Jason Holder was present to greet him with a handshake."We spoke about it before he came out to bat, that we were going to give him a guard of honor," West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales said. "Obviously the run out took us all the way down to Swiss Cottage, so it was pretty hard to do the guard of honor for the great man. Luckily, Jason caught up with him."However, Anderson had to return to the dressing room without even facing a ball as debutant Jamie Smith (70) was dismissed as the last England wicket to fall."I think the biggest missed opportunity was not seeing Jimmy face one off their left-arm spinner," Smith said. "That's the one regret about my innings. I'm a bit disappointed I couldn't hit one more six to allow him his moment. It's been an honor to play alongside him in my first game. Everyone will miss him when he goes."Anderson, England captain Ben Stokes, and newcomer Gus Atkinson each claimed two wickets as the West Indies crumbled to 79 for 6 by the end of play on Thursday. This followed their dismal first-innings total of 121 in the opening match of the three-Test series.

England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson, who is on the cusp of retirement, has revealed that his most memorable battles were against the Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Anderson, who is playing his final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's, has dismissed Tendulkar nine times throughout his illustrious career.Despite his success against Tendulkar, Anderson admitted that he never had a specific game plan against the Indian legend. "The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson told Sky Sports. "I don't remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player."Anderson emphasized the impact Tendulkar had on the Indian team and the atmosphere in the stadium. "He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere, in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket," Anderson said.Like Tendulkar, who represented India for 24 years, Anderson has set a remarkable example for fast bowlers. He has played Test cricket for 21 years and became the first bowler to breach the 700-wicket mark earlier this year during India's tour of England.However, Anderson acknowledged that both he and Tendulkar enjoyed success against each other. "You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he miss a straight one. In England, he might knick the odd one, but generally, I'd try and get him out LBW early," he said."I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot," Anderson added.While Anderson claimed 149 wickets in 39 Tests against India with six five-fors, Tendulkar amassed 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England at an average of 51.73 with seven centuries and 13 fifties.Anderson also expressed pride in his batting achievement of scoring 81 runs against India at Nottingham in July 2014. "I am most proud of getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India. I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, it is just something I still can't believe I have done," he said.

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.

Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut for England, stole the spotlight on the first day of the Lord's Test against the West Indies. The 26-year-old seamer claimed an astonishing seven wickets for 45 runs, overshadowing the farewell of legendary James Anderson.Atkinson's remarkable figures, including a triple wicket-maiden, are the second best by an England bowler on a Test debut behind Dominic Cork's 7 for 43 against the West Indies at Lord's in 1995.The West Indies, playing with an inexperienced top order, were skittled out for a mere 121 runs. Only debutant Mikyle Louis (27) managed to reach the 20s.Atkinson's brilliance began in the 35th over when he dismissed Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Joshua Da Silva in quick succession. His accuracy and challenging line and length proved too much for the West Indian batsmen.Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes opted to field after winning the toss. Anderson, playing his final Test, was unable to make an early breakthrough, but Atkinson struck with his second delivery to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite.Zak Crawley (76) and Ollie Pope (57) then led England's response with well-crafted half-centuries. Crawley was on track for a century before being bowled by Jayden Seales.At the close of play, England were 189 for 3, establishing a lead of 68 runs. The hosts will look to build on their strong position on day two and secure a victory in Anderson's farewell Test.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, is set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord's. As he prepares for his final appearance, Anderson has reflected on his illustrious career, sharing his thoughts on the greatest opponents he has faced.In a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket, Anderson named Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the most formidable batter he has ever bowled against. Despite having faced numerous contemporary stars, Anderson believes Tendulkar stands out as the ultimate challenge."The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson stated. "He was just a phenomenal player. He had everything. He could play all the shots, he was very strong mentally, and he was very difficult to get out."Anderson has played 39 Tests against India, claiming a total of 149 wickets. He has dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, but the Indian legend's class and resilience have always left a lasting impression.When asked about the best bowler he has faced, Anderson acknowledged the prowess of Australia's Glenn McGrath and South Africa's Dale Steyn. "The best bowler I faced probably Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn," he remarked. "Hard to pick between the two. Slightly different bowlers, but both world-class."Reflecting on his career, Anderson singled out his dismissal of former Australian captain Michael Clarke in the 2013 Trent Bridge Test as his most memorable wicket. However, when it came to the achievement he takes the most pride in, Anderson surprisingly chose his batting performance."Career achievement I am most proud of his getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India," he shared. "I know, I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, I think, it is just something I still can't believe I have done."As Anderson prepares for his final Test, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. His ability to swing the ball both ways, his relentless accuracy, and his unwavering determination have made him a formidable opponent for batters around the world.