England’s James Anderson opens up ahead of farewell Test match

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

James Anderson expressed his pride in his enduring career as a Test bowler as he prepared for his farewell match with England, reflecting on a career that has spanned two decades.

At the age of 42, Anderson will retire from international cricket following the first match of the series between England and the West Indies at Lord's, starting on Wednesday. This will mark his 188th Test match, during which he has taken over 700 wickets—a record for any fast bowler.

In a news conference at Lord's, Anderson said, "Playing my 188th Test at just short of 42 years old, makes me the most proud and I'm still pushing myself to be the best I possibly can."

"Even though I've got one game left, I've still tried to train as hard as I can," he added.

Anderson's Test career began 21 years ago against Zimbabwe at Lord's. The veteran pacer acknowledged that he feels he is still bowling as well as ever but understood that his career had to end at some point.

"I feel like I'm still bowling as well as I ever have," he said. "But I knew it had to end at some point, whether it's now or in a year or two.

"The fact it's now is something I've got to deal with and accept. The last couple of months I've made peace with that.

"I can't complain. I don't have any regrets, I've played hundreds of games for England, played with people who are much more talented than me but didn't get the opportunity because of injury."

Regarding his emotions, Anderson stated that he has been feeling normal and trying not to think too much about the end of his career.

"I feel pretty normal these last couple of days, trying not to think too much about it.

"It's been a strange couple of months. I feel pretty happy with where things are now and excited for the week."

Anderson has not yet decided if this week's match will be his final first-class game or if he will continue playing for his county side, Lancashire.

"I've loved being ut on the field for Lancashire, always have," said Anderson, who recently took an impressive 7-35 for the county.

"I've not played a lot for them over the last 20 years, but always tried to give my all."