Anderson Reflects on Final Test as England’s Legendary Bowler Prepares to Retire

The time has come for one last dance for England’s stalwart James Anderson. England’s all-time leading wicket-taker is preparing to play the final Test match of his illustrious career against the West Indies at Lord’s this week.

The 41-year-old bowler will retire after this game, ending a record-setting journey that includes 700 Test wickets over 188 caps.

Despite the impending conclusion of his career, Anderson remains confident in his abilities. “Coming off the back of seven-for last week, obviously I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have,” Anderson said, referencing his remarkable 7-35 performance for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire.

The decision to move on from Anderson was made by the England management, who are focusing on younger pace bowlers in preparation for the 2025-26 Ashes tour. Following discussions with Test captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key, Anderson accepted the decision with characteristic grace.

“I knew it had to end at some point, whether it’s now or a year or two years,” Anderson said. “The fact that it’s now is just something that I’ve got to deal with and accept.” He acknowledged that he had little choice in the matter but appreciated the clear communication from the England management.

Reflecting on his career, Anderson revealed that he hadn’t given much thought to how it would end. “I wouldn’t say it was a surprise, because when the three big dogs invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat I didn’t think it was just a normal appraisal,” he said. “I had a suspicion that that was going to be the case. I think they were surprised at how calm I was and I was probably surprised at my reaction.”

Anderson’s final Test comes after he became the first pace bowler to reach 700 Test wickets in March, during England’s match against India in Dharamsala. While his journey to this milestone involved 18 wickets in his previous eight Tests, his recent performance for Lancashire demonstrated his enduring talent.

Post-retirement, Anderson will join the England coaching team as a mentor. Although he is unlikely to play for Lancashire again this year, he has not ruled out the possibility of continuing his playing career next season. “If I feel like I can still contribute to Lancashire or they need me, then I’m sure that’s a conversation we’ll have in the next few months,” he added.

Anderson’s retirement follows that of his long-time new-ball partner, Stuart Broad, who ended his career after last year’s final Ashes Test. Reflecting on Broad’s dramatic farewell, Anderson acknowledged the difficulty of matching such a memorable exit. “I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or how I’d feel about it,” he said. “The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying.”