Legendary England Pacer James Anderson's family was ecstatic as picked the final wicket of his illustrious Test career in the first Test against West Indies at Lord's On Friday, July 12.
James Anderson officially pulled the curtains down on his international career after England took a 1-0 series lead with a 114-run and innings win against the visiting West Indies team on Day 3 of the first Test. England took a 250-run lead after being bundled out for 371. However, England bowlers left West Indies in a reeling position with 79/6 at the end of Day 2 and dismissed them for 121 on Day 3.
However, the spotlight was mainly on James Anderson as he walked out to the field for one final time and received a guard of honour from England teammates and West Indies players. After taking 2 wickets on Day 2, the legendary pacer ended his illustrious career by taking his third and final wicket by dismissing Joshua Da Silva on Day 3.
After taking the final scalp of his international career, James Anderson's family, including wife, two daughters and father was celebrated enthusiastically in the VIP stands of the Lord's. The video of the same went viral on social media.
After James Anderson picked his final Test wicket, Gus Atkinson scalped remaining wickets of West Indies to help England kick off the Test series with an innings.
Anderson finished his international career on high as he picked four wickets in his farewell Test. In the first innings, Jimmy took a wicket while conceding 26 runs at an economy rate of 2.40 in 10.4 overs. In the second innings, the legendary pacer registered figures of 3/32 with an economy rate of 2 in 16 overs.
'It's been an amazing 20 years': James Anderson
James Anderson summed up his emotions after representing England for two decades in international cricket. He added that winning the matches and series for England were always been his priority.
"It's been an amazing 20 years. Overwhelming to see the crowd reaction. It has been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt I tried to win games for England. Has been different. Emotions have been up and down. Seeing my girls ring the bell on Day 1. It has been an amazing 20 years." Anderson said after the match.
"You can't have a long career without the support network behind you. It's the familys journey as well as it is ours. As I mentioned, winnings series and Test matches are the only thing I will be interested in. Winning in Australia, India and contributing to those wins is really, really special." he added.
James Anderson retired as the third-leading wicket-taker in international cricket, with 991 wickets, including 34 fifers and 3 10-wicket hauls, at an average of 27..33 and an economy rate of 3.24 in 401 matches.
