LONDON: James Anderson said Monday he was “most proud” of his endurance as a Test bowler as he prepares for his farewell match with England after a career spanning two decades.
The paceman, 42 at the end of this month, will bow out from international cricket after playing in the first match of the series between England and the West Indies at Lord’s starting on Wednesday.
It will be his 188th match in the format — he has already taken 700 Test wickets.
No fast bowler has taken more wickets and only India batting hero Sachin Tendulkar has played more matches in the five-day game.
“Playing my 188th Test at just short of 42 years old, makes me the most proud and I’m still pushing myself to be the best I possibly can,” Anderson told a news conference at Lord’s.
“Even though I’ve got one game left, I’ve still tried to train as hard as I can.”
England, looking ahead to the 2025/26 Ashes against Australia, effectively called time on a Test career that Anderson started against Zimbabwe at Lord’s 21 years ago.
“I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have,” he said. “But I knew it had to end at some point, whether it’s now or in a year or two.
“The fact it’s now is something I’ve got to deal with and accept. The last couple of months I’ve made peace with that.
“I can’t complain. I don’t have any regrets, I’ve played hundreds of games for England, played with people who are much more talented than me but didn’t get the opportunity because of injury.”
Asked about his emotions, he said: “I feel pretty normal these last couple of days, trying not to think too much about it.
“It’s been a strange couple of months. I feel pretty happy with where things are now and excited for the week.”
Anderson said he had yet to decide whether this week’s match would represent his farewell to first-class cricket or if he would play on for county side Lancashire.
“I’ve loved being ut on the field for Lancashire, always have,” said Anderson, who recently took an impressive 7-35 for the county.
“I’ve not played a lot for them over the last 20 years, but always tried to give my all.”
England great Anderson ‘proud’ of longevity as Test exit looms
https://arab.news/6z8tw
England great Anderson ‘proud’ of longevity as Test exit looms
- The paceman, 42 at the end of this month, will bow out after playing first match of England-West Indies series at Lord’s starting on Wednesday
- Anderson says he has yet to decide whether this week’s match will be his farewell to first-class cricket or he would play on for county side
ILT20 season 4 set for blockbuster finish as playoffs begin
- The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final
DUBAI: The International League T20’s fourth season has reached the playoff stage, with the final four confirmed after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed the last spot with a 32-run win over Gulf Giants.
The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will then take on defending champions Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator in Dubai on Thursday. The winner will advance to Qualifier 2 in Sharjah to meet the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second spot in the final, set for Jan. 4 at Dubai International Stadium.
The Vipers topped the league stage with eight wins, including a historic Super Over victory against Gulf Giants.
Key contributors include Max Holden (318 runs), Sam Curran (285 runs, seven wickets), and bowlers Khuzaima Tanveer (14 wickets) and David Payne (12 wickets).
MI Emirates, who secured second place with a late-season five-match winning streak, are evenly matched against the Vipers historically, with four wins apiece.
UAE star Muhammad Waseem (293 runs) has been a standout performer.
Reigning champions Capitals finished the league stage with five wins and five losses, led by bowlers Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets), and batsmen Jordan Cox (311 runs) and Shayan Jahangir (302 runs).
The Knight Riders, making only their second playoff appearance, will face a Capitals side that has won eight of nine previous encounters between the two. Ajay Kumar (15 wickets) has been their top bowler this season.
The ILT20 carries a total prize pool of over $1 million, with $700,000 for the champions and $300,000 for the runners-up.
