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England’s premier pace bowler, James Anderson, made a strong return to cricket ahead of his final international Test match. Representing Lancashire against Nottinghamshire, Anderson showcased sensational form in his first match since March 2024.
Anderson displayed impeccable rhythm, consistently troubling batsmen with his swing bowling and putting Lancashire in a commanding position. In his first Test appearance of the summer, he set the stage alight with a remarkable morning session performance, claiming figures of 6-19 and dismantling the Nottingham batting lineup.
His impressive spell helped restrict the opposition to 74/6 at Trafalgar Road Ground in Southport. Anderson’s stellar performance also marked his 55th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, increasing his total first-class wickets to 1,120.
With this sensational display, Anderson has prepared exceptionally well for his upcoming final Test match, scheduled at Lord’s Cricket Ground against West Indies on July 10th.
Before the T20 World Cup 2024, James Anderson made the decision to retire from Test cricket, a move influenced by discussions following England’s tour of India. Despite his desire to continue playing for a few more years, he was advised by head coach Brendon McCullum, who traveled from New Zealand specifically for the discussion, that the team was focusing on building for the future, prompting Anderson’s retirement announcement.
James Anderson is widely regarded as one of the greatest pace bowlers in Test cricket history. With 700 wickets from 187 matches for England, he stands just 9 wickets shy of Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets, positioning him as the second-highest wicket-taker in the format.
After the Lord’s Test, Jimmy will continue in our set-up, and he’ll help a bit more as a mentor – Rob Key
ECB Director of Cricket Rob Key dropped a major revelation, stating that James Anderson will transition into the role of fast bowling mentor for the team following his retirement from international cricket. The governing body is enthusiastic about retaining Anderson’s expertise within the group.
Anderson is determined to conclude his career on a positive note. The Test series between England and the West Indies is scheduled to begin on July 10th, and the fast bowler is eager to surpass Shane Warne’s record and retire on a high.
