Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, expressed heartfelt sentiments towards his retiring teammate James Anderson. The ongoing Lord’s Test match between England and West Indies marks Anderson’s final appearance in international cricket, concluding a stellar career spanning over two decades.

Transition in team strategy

Earlier this year, the English team management engaged in discussions with the veteran Lancashire pacer, signaling a shift towards nurturing younger fast bowlers in preparation for crucial upcoming overseas tours.

James Anderson’s last stand

In the current Test, Anderson’s impact was notable despite limited opportunities in his farewell match. He claimed one wicket in the West Indies’ first innings, where they were dismissed for a mere 121 runs on day one. Debutant Gus Atkinson made headlines with a remarkable seven-wicket haul, showcasing England’s future bowling prospects.

The veteran pacer added two more wickets in the West Indies’ second innings, where they struggled at 79/6, facing a daunting deficit of 171 runs. With the Test potentially concluding on Day 3, Anderson’s final appearance in the England shirt looms large.

Ben Stokes’ fitting tribute

In a touching gesture on social media, Ben Stokes took to his official Instagram account to bid farewell to James Anderson. Alongside sharing nostalgic photos capturing their journey together, Stokes penned a heartfelt tribute to the ‘Burnley Express’.

“Endless memories on the field with the legendary James Anderson. A true icon of the game. Farewell Jimmy, your legacy will endure,” Stokes wrote on Instagram

Also WATCH: ENG vs WI – James Anderson removes Kraigg Brathwaite with an absolute peach on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test

Magnificent career of Anderson

Anderson’s career is adorned with magnificent achievements that firmly establish him as one of cricket’s all-time greats. With 704 Test wickets to his name, Anderson holds the record for the most wickets taken by a fast bowler in Test history, a testament to his longevity, skill, and unwavering dedication to the game. His ability to swing the ball both ways with precision and consistency has troubled batsmen across generations and in various conditions around the globe.

Anderson’s mastery of seam bowling, coupled with his astute cricketing intellect, has allowed him to thrive in all formats of the game, earning him the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Beyond statistics, Anderson’s influence extends to the mentoring of younger bowlers and his role as a stalwart in England’s cricketing fabric for over 18 years, marking him as a true icon of the sport.

Also READ: ENG vs WI: Pictures of James Anderson’s custom shoes for his farewell Test in Lord’s go viral

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