James Anderson to retire after the first Test of the summer

James Anderson has confirmed his retirement from Test cricket after announcing that the first Test of the summer against West Indies, starting July 10, 2024, will be his last. 

Anderson has played 187 Tests, 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is and taken 987 wickets for England across the three formats. In Test cricket, he’s at 700 wickets currently and is just eight behind Shane Warne’s wicket tally. 

Earlier, The Guardian reported on May 10 that England Test coach Brendon McCullum flew from New Zealand to England to let Anderson know face to face that the English team is looking towards the future and that it might be tough to fit the 41-year-old. 

Anderson announced this through an emotional personal statement on his Instagram account. 

“Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord's will be my last Test,” the post said. 

“It's been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I've loved since I was a kid. I'm going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to because there is no greater feeling.”

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. It's always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn't show it.”

The Chairperson of The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Thompson, responded to this in a press release by the ECB. 

“I don’t think we’ll ever see a bowler to match Jimmy again. It has been an honour as an England fan to watch him and marvel at his skill with the ball. To still be bowling at the top of his game at 41 is remarkable, and he is a true inspiration and role model for peers and younger generations alike…..English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other,” Thompson said.