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James Anderson is gearing up for his final Test match this week, with Shamar Joseph determined to thwart his farewell plans. The England vs West Indies first Test is scheduled from July 10-14.
Anderson, set to play his 188th Test, aims to conclude his illustrious career on a high note and secure a victory for his team, as he expressed in a recent press conference with British media.
On the other hand, Shamar Joseph, a rising pace sensation in Test cricket, spoke fondly of his admiration for Anderson but stated his intention to disrupt the veteran’s farewell match. Having debuted for West Indies earlier this year on the Australia tour, this marks Joseph’s first tour to England.
James Anderson Is Someone I Have Looked Up To: Shamar Joseph
“He is such an amazing player. Someone I have looked up to. Someone who is very good at this level. You could say he’s perfect because he has a lot of wickets at this level. Definitely, I would want to ruin that farewell for him,” Joseph told reporters on Monday.
“I’m excited to be here. England is known for a good fast bowling,” Joseph said. The speedster also opened up on his memories of watching cricket at Lord’s. “Oh they’re great. Watching a lot of the Ashes with great fast bowlers, Jofra Archer, Mitchell Starc, all the great fast bowlers come out here and do well. that’s something I would want to do as well,” Joseph added.
In just two Test matches, the pacer has made a significant impact, claiming 13 wickets. His maiden Test scalp was Steve Smith in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 5/95. In the following Test in Brisbane, he bowled brilliantly to take 7/68, playing a pivotal role in West Indies’ first Test victory in Australia in 27 years.
“Since our last tour of Australia, we maintain our energy. That’s the mindset we come into this series with (that West Indies can compete against England),” Joseph said.
In their last Test series in England, West Indies started strong with a victory in the first Test but eventually lost the series. This time, they enter the series fresh off a win against Australia, with Shamar Joseph’s standout performance helping them secure victory in the second Test in Brisbane after losing the opener in Adelaide.
On the other hand, England arrives for this series after a 4-1 defeat to India in India, currently occupying the bottom position in the WTC points table while West Indies sits sixth.
Amidst preparations for his final Test this week, James Anderson has dismissed speculation about a return to Test cricket post-retirement, stating he’s unlikely to consider playing in the next Ashes series in 2025-26.
