James Anderson exits Test cricket in style with innings win at Lord's

England complete emphatic victory over West Indies as veteran seamer concludes two-decade long career

James Anderson leaves the field for the final time in Test cricket after helping England complete an innings win over the West Indies at Lord's on Friday, July 12, 2024. AP

James Anderson waves to the crowd after England completed an innings win at Lord's - the final Test of Anderson's two-decade long career. Getty Images

James Anderson walks through a guard of honour at Lord's. Getty Images

England's James Anderson shakes hands with West Indies' Kraigg Brathwaite. Reuters

James Anderson celebrates the wicket of Joshua Da Silva on Friday. AP

England pacer Gus Atkinson took 12 wickets in his debut Test. AP

Gus Atkinson celebrates the dismissal of West Indies' Shamar Joseph. AFP

James Anderson bid adieu to Test cricket in the best possible fashion as he helped England complete an innings victory over West Indies at Lord's on Friday.

Veteran seamer Anderson, playing his 188th and final Test of a two-decade long career, finished with 3-32 in the second innings as England completed victory by an innings and 114 runs.

West Indies were facing a heavy defeat on Friday, starting the day on 79-6 and trailing their hosts by 171 runs.

Half-centuries by Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith had lifted England to a first-innings total of 371 after the Windies had been blown away for just 121 in their first innings following a seven-wicket haul by debutant pacer Gus Atkinson.

It was Atkinson who picked the final wicket of the Test, getting Jaydon Seales caught at deep mid wicket.

But the hero of the match was Anderson, who retired as the most successful pacer in Test history with 704 scalps.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described James Anderson as a "legend" as the record-breaking fast bowler played his final Test for England.

Asked for his views on Anderson, the PM said: "I mean, what a legend. And even now, a brilliant sportsman as he plays out the last game.

"I don't think there's going to be any dissenting voices and saying what an incredible player, what an incredible sportsman he was."

Anderson, who was given a guard of honour by both teams at the start of play on Friday, was grateful for a spectacular Test career that is unlikely to be matched.

"It's been an amazing week. I've been overwhelmed by the reaction. Just proud of what I achieved," Anderson said after the match. "This morning was quite emotional with the two teams lined up and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. Playing for 20 years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler. I'm just happy I've made it this far."

Anderson looked emotional before the start of play as he walked out to a guard of honour.

But the 41-year-old seamer quickly got to work and had Joshua Da Silva (9) caught behind in his second over of the day, finding just enough movement to draw the outside edge and pick up his 704th Test wicket.

Anderson's fourth wicket of the match dented West Indies' slim chances of making England bat again and Da Silva was quickly followed by Alzarri Joseph (8).

Joseph decided to go down swinging, hitting Atkinson back over his head amid some wild swipes before he top-edged the same bowler to Ben Duckett on the leg-side boundary, handing the young quick 10 wickets on Test debut.

Shamar Joseph (3) was not far behind Joseph, clean bowled by Atkinson as the tailender missed a straight yorker.

Gudakesh Motie (31 not out) put up some resistance. He then seemingly handed Anderson his 705th Test wicket on a plate, driving the ball straight back to the bowler but he spilled it.

Atkinson wrapped things up when Jayden Seales (8) holed out to Duckett as West Indies were all out for 136 to fall to a heavy defeat inside barely seven sessions.

Anderson finished his career four wickets behind the late Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne's tally of 708 wickets. Only one bowler has more than them: former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan with 800.

Anderson ended his Test career where it started 21 years ago, when he ran in to bowl against Zimbabwe at Lord's.

“I've been lucky to play with some amazing players, some of the most talented cricketers that have ever played the game,” he said. "And more importantly some really good blokes and friends I have made for life.

“Part of me is jealous that these lads get to experience that for the next few years,” he said of his teammates. "The advice I would pass onto them is just enjoy every moment, because it's a great ride."