James Anderson: ‘It’s been an incredible 20 years’

England fast bowler James Anderson will retire from Test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord’s in July, ending one of the most remarkable careers in the international game’s history.

It will be the 41-year-old Anderson’s 188th test match—only India great Sachin Tendulkar has more, with 200 — and it gives him one more chance to add to his total of 700 test wickets, comfortably the most by a pacer.

Only spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have more Test wickets.

“It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid,” Anderson, who made his test debut in 2003 also at Lord’s, said.

“I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realize their dreams just like I got to because there is no greater feeling.”

Anderson announced after his appraisal with England test coach Brendon McCullum, who was visiting Britain from his native New Zealand. The pair spoke over a round of golf.

“My future is something that’s been chatted about — I feel like we’ve been talking about it for 10 years and with every coach I’ve had,” Anderson told the BBC.

“I was just looking ahead: Could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months’ time? And I sort of came to the decision that probably not. It feels like a stretch at this stage in my career.

“There are 15 or so tests before the Ashes (in 2025-26), so it gives England time to get other guys test matches and experience before then. We decided that I would play one more test match.”

Anderson said he looked forward to “filling my days with even more golf.”