LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has paid tribute to fast bowler James Anderson after his final appearance for England Men, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year Test career.
Anderson signed off today taking a 704th and final Test wicket as England sealed a win in the First Men’s Test Match against West Indies at Lord’s.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson termed himself lucky to be able to witness James Anderson’s Test debut 21 years ago at Lord’s and asserted that no one would have predicted the longevity of the bowling genius then.
“I was lucky enough to be at Lord’s when Jimmy made his Test debut 21 years ago and while his prodigious talent was immediately obvious as he took a five-wicket haul, no-one could have predicted the significance and sheer longevity of his bowling genius.
“Seeing him then get his 700th wicket at Dharamshala and now as the curtain comes down at Lords I feel very privileged to have seen how his extraordinary career has unfolded.
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“He is quite simply the best Test pace bowler there has ever been and the sense of occasion that has engulfed Lord’s this week has befitted a man who will forever be an England legend. On behalf of English and Welsh cricket, thank you Jimmy.”
ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould echoed similar remarks for James Anderson and asserted that the pacer has earned a place as one of the all-time iconic names in world cricket.
said: “Jimmy has rightly earned a place as one of the all-time iconic names from world cricket. It is testament to the way he has combined his rare talent with outstanding professionalism and work ethic that he bows out still bowling so well more than 20 years after his Test debut.
“There was nothing more enjoyable than watching him slice through opposition batting line-ups who were helpless in the face of the skills and precision he crafted over two decades. It has been a privilege to witness and matched only by the humility he has shown while standing at the top of the game.”
READ: James Anderson gets dream farewell as England rout West Indies