It was the end of an era at Lord’s, as James Anderson bowed out for England in front of a packed house of adoring fans.
The result was always going to be secondary. With England arriving at the ground needing just four wickets to secure an emphatic First Test win over West Indies, you could expect on any other day to see a smattering of supporters in the crowd and a tame atmosphere.
Instead, Lord’s was full before play started, and long after it finished, to pay tribute to one of the all-time greats of the game.
“I’m a little bit overwhelmed by the reaction,” Anderson said, having completed his 188th and final Test match for England.
“It’s been amazing. Today was really special. Seeing my daughters ring the bell on day one, incredibly special and emotional.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do [next], I’ve not thought that far ahead. I’m just really looking forward to sitting up there and having a few drinks with the lads.”
And enjoy a drink he did. At 2pm, Lord’s allowed fans onto the field and a crowd of hundreds, if not thousands, gathered below the home dressing room balcony to serenade Anderson one last time.
I’m overwhelmed by the reaction… it’s been amazing. Today was really special and emotional
James Anderson
With Anderson holed up inside, it was captain Ben Stokes that cajoled him out onto the balcony to acknowledge the crowd, with Anderson going one better as he toasted the masses with a Guinness in his hand, before downing it in one go.
It turns out that over the course of 188 Tests for England, it’s not just the wobble-seam delivery you learn to perfect.
“He’s got the reception he deserved,” Stokes said. “It was very, very special to be part of it. It was an overwhelming feeling out there that this was the last time we’d get to walk off the field with Jimmy and also the last time the crowd would get to see Jimmy leave the field.
“And what an occasion for the new lads to be part of. Gus [Atkinson] and Jamie [Smith] getting a first taste of international cricket and seeing the reception you can get as England players. Even for me it sends goosebumps down you so I’d love to know how they were feeling as they were watching that unfold.”
Earlier this week, Anderson said Test cricket “is literally the reason I am the person that I am”, and upon finishing on Friday he spoke of the addictive qualities inherent in the format that kept him going for so long.
“I love the thought of having to get an ice bath after a long day in the field,” he explained. “I love when the ball swings and the captains are like ‘it’s swinging, so you’re on’. I love those sorts of things and that’s what I’ll miss.
“It’s hard to put into words. From a player’s point of view, I think the emotions you go through, it is a roller coaster at times.”
In all, Anderson finished on 704 Test wickets, just four behind Shane Warne, who is second in the all-time rankings.
There was the chance for Anderson to finish on 705, only for the legendary seamer to drop a simple chance off his own bowling to seal the Test match when Gudakesh Motie chipped the ball back in his follow-through.
At the time, Anderson afforded himself a smile while his team-mates dropped to their knees and held their heads in their hands. Half heartbroken, but half suppressing a laugh or two at his expense.
“I’m still gutted I dropped that catch,” Anderson said.
After Friday, Anderson will immediately rejoin the squad in a mentorship role for the rest of the summer. A trial period with both parties open to it continuing if they see fit.
“I’m really excited,” Anderson said of the summer ahead. “Obviously, I’ve studied the game for 20 years and I think I’ve got good knowledge of the technical side of it as well and I feel like I can have a real impact on the guys.
“I’m definitely not going to be someone to tell someone how to bowl. I’ll be a sounding board, I’ll be there if they need me. I’ll watch every ball that they bowl and try and help them as much as I can.
“I’m still trying to hold back the tears now. Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m happy I’ve made it this far. It’s the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to be able to do it.”
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