Skipper Ben Stokes paid glowing tribute to team-mate James Anderson as the 41-year old retired after England’s jumbo win over West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s.
“Sometimes you can be a bit lost for words, and if you gave me fifteen minutes, I still wouldn’t be able to compliment him enough. He is 41 years old and still always looking to improve himself as a bowler,” Stokes said to host broadcaster Sky Sports.
After a career spanning 21 years, Anderson the legendary exponent of swing bowling, showed there was still some gas left in the tank as he snapped up 3 for 32 in his last hurrah, collaborating with the 26-year old debutant Gus Atkinson to bowl England to an emphatic victory.
At the end of his swansong, an emotional Anderson was ‘overwhelmed’ by the showering of love, support and adulation from all corners. “Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m happy I’ve made it this far and happy I’ve been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career,” Anderson reflected. ”Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to do it for a long time.”
Brief scores: West Indies 121 (Mikyle Louis 27; Gus Atkinson 7-45, Ben Stokes 1-14) & 136 (Gudakesh Motie 31*; Gus Atkinson 5-61, James Anderson 3-32) lost to England 371 (Zak Crawley 76, Jamie Smith 70, Joe Root 68, Ollie Pope 57, Harry Brook 50; Jayden Seales 4-77) by an innings & 114 runs.
"If you gave me 15 minutes I probably still wouldn't be able to compliment him enough" 🤩
England captain Ben Stokes looks back on James Anderson's career 🏴 pic.twitter.com/e6v9UyqvYa
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2024
