Jimmy Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in test cricket history, retired from international play after helping England secure a commanding victory over West Indies at Lord’s. The 41-year-old Anderson took 3-32 in West Indies’ second innings, dismissing them for 136 early on the third day.
One of his wickets on Friday was a classic Anderson moment, inducing an edge from Joshua Da Silva. However, he dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Gudakesh Motie when England needed just one more wicket for the win. Anderson, visibly emotional, fell to his knees and covered his face with his hand.
He received a standing ovation as he walked off the field at Lord’s, in front of his parents, wife, and children, after Gus Atkinson took the final wicket.
The morning began with Anderson, who prefers to avoid the spotlight, being honored by both teams with a guard of honor and receiving his first standing ovation from the crowd as he took the field.
Reflecting on his career after the match, Anderson remarked, “I feel about 55 after the overs I bowled this week.” He also expressed gratitude for having the privilege to represent England for so long, calling it the best job in the world.
Atkinson, seen as the future of England’s pace bowling, played a key role, taking three wickets as West Indies resumed at 79-6, still trailing by 171 runs before England enforced the follow-on. Atkinson finished with match figures of 12-106 in his test debut, becoming the first England bowler to achieve a 10-wicket haul in a home test since Alec Bedser in 1946.
