ENG vs WI [WATCH]: James Anderson bows out with Joshua Da Silva’s wicket in his final Test

Jul 12, 2024

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ENG vs WI [WATCH]: James Anderson bows out with Joshua Da Silva’s wicket in his final Test

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In a fitting farewell, legendary England fast bowler James Anderson claimed one final wicket in his last international match, dismissing Joshua Da Silva of the West Indies on the third day of the first Test at Lord’s.

Anderson, who is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 scalps, had already taken two wickets in the West Indies second innings when he got a chance to add one more to his tally.

The ambience of a spectacle

As the 41-year-old ran in to bowl, the entire Lord’s crowd rose on their feet in anticipation, eager to witness one last moment of magic from the master of swing and seam. Anderson, characteristically, did not disappoint.

He started the over, landing the ball on a good length and just outside off stump. The delivery shaped away slightly, drawing Da Silva into playing at it. The West Indian batter could only manage an edge, which carried through to the safe hands of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

With that, Anderson claimed his 704th Test wicket, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, acknowledging the end of an era as Anderson’s teammates rushed to embrace him in a fitting send-off.

Here’s the video

Jimmy Anderson at his 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 best ✨#EnglandCricket | @Jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/98i7Uythss

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs WI: Reason why James Anderson did not get Guard of Honour from West Indies in Lord’s Test

The last outing with an international victory

Despite missing out on the final wicket in the first innings, Anderson made amends in the second, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite early on with a delivery that nipped back off the seam. He, then, combined with debutant Gus Atkinson, who took five-wicket hauls in both innings, to dismantle the West Indies batting order and escort England to a comprehensive victory.

As Anderson walked off the field for the final time in his international career, the Lord’s crowd gave him a standing ovation, recognising the indelible mark he has left on the game. It was a poetic end to the saga of one of cricket’s true greats, a fitting farewell for a legend who has inspired generations of fast bowlers with his relentless pursuit of excellence.