James Anderson to retire after home Test this summer

The curtains are set to close on a legendary career as James Anderson, England’s most successful fast bowler, prepares for his final bow in Test cricket. According to UK media reports, the upcoming home season will be Anderson’s last, marking the end of an era for English pace bowling.

This news comes after Anderson etched his name in history earlier this year, becoming the first fast bowler to reach the incredible milestone of 700 Test wickets during England’s tour of India. While surpassing the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets might seem like a tempting target, reports suggest England are looking towards the future with the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia on the horizon. This unfortunately means the road has reached its end for the 41-year-old veteran.

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England’s home season this year will present Anderson with a final opportunity to shine on familiar turf. They’re scheduled to play Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, with one of those matches being held at Anderson’s home ground, Old Trafford. This iconic stadium could very well be the stage for Anderson’s emotional farewell.

The Guardian reports that England’s Test coach, Brendon McCullum, personally flew from New Zealand to the UK to deliver the news to Anderson during a round of golf. This gesture highlights the immense respect Anderson commands within the cricketing world.

Anderson’s career boasts a staggering number of appearances. He has donned the England whites in a remarkable 187 Test matches, a testament to his longevity and resilience. His impact extends beyond Test cricket, with 194 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 19 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under his belt as well.

James Anderson Career

	Matches	Innings			Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
Test	187	348			700	7/42	11/71	2.79	26.53	56.97	32	3
ODI	194				269	5/23	5/23	4.92	29.22	35.63	2	0
T20I	19	19			18	3/23	3/23	7.85	30.67	23.44	0	0

Currently, Anderson sits comfortably at number three on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket. Only the legendary spinners, Shane Warne and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (with 800 wickets), stand ahead of him.

Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era for English fast bowling. He has been a constant threat with his swing and pace, troubling batsmen for nearly two decades. His partnership with Stuart Broad, who recently announced his own retirement, formed a formidable pace attack that dominated the world stage for a significant period.

While England might be looking towards the future, James Anderson’s contribution to the sport cannot be understated. He has inspired a generation of young fast bowlers and leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. The upcoming home season promises to be an emotional one for fans as they witness the final chapter of a truly remarkable career.

One can only hope that James Anderson will have a chance to sign off in style, perhaps even adding a few more wickets to his already phenomenal tally. His final Test match will undoubtedly be a spectacle, a fitting tribute to a player who has bled blue for England throughout his illustrious career.