(AFP Photo)
James Anderson, the veteran England pacer, is preparing for his final Test match at Lord’s this week. The first Test against West Indies marks the culmination of a career spanning over two decades.
England will contest a three-match Test series as part of the IC WTC 2023-24, commencing with the Lord’s Test from July 10-14, followed by matches at Trent Bridge (July 18-22) and Edgbaston (July 26-30).
Having recently competed in the T20 World Cup, both teams now shift their focus to Test cricket, with particular attention on James Anderson. The 41-year-old has amassed 700 Test wickets across 187 matches, with 87 of those against West Indies. His upcoming Test will be his 188th and final appearance, marking the end of an illustrious career only surpassed in Test appearances by Sachin Tendulkar.
Ahead of his final Test match, he addressed the media and discussed his efforts to keep his emotions in check throughout the upcoming week.
James Anderson speaks ahead of his final Test match.
“Big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. So that’s what I am trying to focus on. I am sure that the emotions during the week will change but right now this is what I am trying to focus on to stop myself crying” said jimmy.
England have included two debutants, Dillon Pennington from Nottinghamshire and Jamie Smith from Surrey, in a 14-man squad for the first two Tests against the West Indies. Pennington boasts 29 wickets at an average of 23.03 in Division One of the ongoing County Championship, while Smith, known for his attacking batting and keeping skills, has scored 507 runs at an average of 50.70 in the Championship. Their selection comes as England opts to omit senior players Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow, paving the way for Smith’s debut at Lord’s.
Among other squad changes, Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, and Mark Wood return, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir retains his place. ECB Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, extended his best wishes to veteran pacer James Anderson ahead of his final Test match at Lord’s, where he has taken 119 of his 700 Test wickets.
“He has given everything to the sport since his Test debut in 2003. We all would like to wish him well as he walks out at Lord’s for the last time for England,” said Rob Key on Anderson’s last Test match.
