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Reflecting on James Anderson’s imminent retirement from Test cricket after the upcoming match against West Indies on July 10, England all-rounder Moeen Ali praised Anderson’s unparalleled dedication to representing the national team in the longest format of the game. Ali, who has shared the field with Anderson on numerous occasions, emphasized the pacer’s profound impact on England’s Test team and noted his exceptional longevity, running like a youngster even in his 40s.
In a heartfelt tribute in his column for the Guardian, Moeen Ali recalled Anderson’s deep emotional investment in every match, highlighting moments where the veteran bowler’s passion for winning was palpable, even leading to tears after losses. Ali underscored Anderson’s pivotal role in shaping England’s Test success and expressed admiration for his unmatched commitment to the game.
“That grumpiness – and shyness at times – has always been misleading. I do not know anyone who loves playing cricket and representing England as much as Jimmy. The same goes for guys who hate losing. I got a taste of this in my second Test at Headingley when, nine down and after an hour and a half of us two digging in trying to save the series, he got out with two balls of the match to go.
“There I was, two Tests into my England career, watching a guy who had already experienced and achieved so much in tears at the other end. I was gutted for him, rather than myself or the team, because he worked so hard and played so well. Test cricket is pretty unforgiving and people forget what this means for guys down the order, doing the thing they are not paid to do.”
There cannot be another Jimmy – Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali lauded James Anderson’s tenacious spirit and emphasized that this week should be dedicated to celebrating the pacer’s remarkable achievements with the ball. Ali boldly asserted that Anderson’s contributions are irreplaceable, stating:
“Although Broady was probably the better batter out of the two, I would say Jimmy was possibly the braver in terms of getting in line and getting stuck in. This week at Lord’s is about celebrating his massive achievements with the ball.
“New guys will step up, but there is no point talking about who will fill Jimmy’s boots because they will never be. Quite simply, 700 Test wickets with one game to go, there cannot be another Jimmy, especially the way the sport is going.”
James Anderson has amassed 700 wickets in 187 matches for England, placing him just 9 wickets shy of surpassing Shane Warne’s tally of 708 and securing the position as the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
