'The King of Swing' James Anderson has bowed out of Test cricket. He picked four wickets in his final game as England dominated West Indies with an inning and 114-run win at the Lord's.
The 41-year-old has played 188 Test matches and picked up 703 wickets, as he ended up as the pacer with the most wickets in international cricket.
As his over two decades long career came to an end, tributes poured in from all over the world, with his old rival and iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge.
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How did the cricketing world react to James Anderson's retirement?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) called James Anderson's retirement an 'End of an era' and rightly so. Not many fast bowlers have had such long and fruitful careers.
End of an era.
— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024
Thank you, Jimmy Anderson 👏#WTC25 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/lJ3kFSHgUX
Tributes for the fast bowler was led by none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar, who posted: "Hey Jimmy! You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game."
He wished the English bowler a happy retirement, saying: "Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life - the time with family."
Ahead of his final Test match, Anderson had hailed Sachin as the toughest batsman he had ever faced his 21-year-long career.
Hey Jimmy!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024
You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye.
It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game.
Wish you a wonderful life… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1
Former Indian allrounder, Yuvraj Singh called Anderson a "legend" and a "GOAT" of fast bowlers in Test Cricket.
It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024
Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace… pic.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6
On the third day of the Test match against West Indies, it was clear that England were going to emerge victorious and as Anderson walked out to the ground, he was received with a "Guard of Honour" at the Lord's Cricket Ground, for one final time.
Royal farewell to arguably cricket’s finest swing bowler - James Anderson.🫡
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 12, 2024
England's greatest ever bowler is honoured with a Guard of Honour as he walks out for the final time at Lord’s. 🙌
pic.twitter.com/aaImsBB2qB
Former England captain and Sky Sports cricket commentator Nasser Hussain embraced Anderson with a hug and thanked him for his dedicated service to English cricket, saying:
"Jimmy Anderson, thankyou for everything you have done for English cricket. Magnificent!"
A lovely moment between Nasser and Jimmy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/M8rzvrbulS
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2024
