England’s legendary pacer Jimmy Anderson bid farewell to active cricket following England’s comprehensive win over the West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s on Friday. The iconic bowler added three more wickets to his illustrious tally in his final innings, helping England secure a victory by an innings and 114 runs, as they dismissed the Windies for 136 after establishing a 250-run lead.
The cricketing world united in admiration and respect, with players and fans flooding social media with tributes and best wishes for the retiring English seamer. Among those leading the tributes was legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar’s heartfelt message read, “Hey Jimmy! You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell.
WATCH – James Anderson’s Emotional Farewell: Fans Applaud As Cricket Legend Prepares for Final Bow
Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl – with that action, speed, accuracy, swing, and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game. Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life – the time with family.”
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja also paid homage by posting images of the guard of honour presented to Anderson during his final outing, captioning it, “The Greatest Ever.” Similarly, former batter Mohammad Kaif honoured Anderson with a touching update: “The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion.”
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Anderson’s remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he played 188 Tests and claimed over 700 wickets, solidifying his status as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Hey Jimmy!
You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye.
It has been a joy to watch you bowl – with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game.
Wish you a wonderful life… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024
The Greatest Ever #JamesAnderson pic.twitter.com/piXuxdqMQR
— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) July 12, 2024
The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion. pic.twitter.com/vQPtZaFiN5
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2024
End of an era.
Thank you, Jimmy Anderson 👏#WTC25 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/lJ3kFSHgUX
— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024
#TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/fHHfefbAy9
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024
It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!
Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace… pic.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024
Royal farewell to arguably cricket’s finest swing bowler – James Anderson.🫡
England’s greatest ever bowler is honoured with a Guard of Honour as he walks out for the final time at Lord’s. 🙌
pic.twitter.com/aaImsBB2qB— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 12, 2024
704 Test wickets and 188 Test matches later. James Anderson retires. Thank you Jimmy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZDMXAyq27x
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2024
21 Years
188 Games
40,001 Deliveries
703 WicketsFor the Final Time, Jimmy Anderson 🫡 The Greatest Ever 👏🏻 #ENGvWI #JamesAndersonpic.twitter.com/z2YH2VQuKF
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 12, 2024
Leaving the Test arena for the final time 🥹
The one, the only, James Michael Anderson 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DgY5bGoFXz
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 12, 2024
