James Anderson, the legendary England fast bowler, is set to retire from Test cricket after an extraordinary 21-year career. His final match will be the series opener against the West Indies at Lord’s this week.
Here are five exceptional performances, picked by AFP, from the right-hand pacer’s decorated career:
1. Anderson’s debut Test wicket came against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in May 2003, when he was just 20 years old.He produced a superb delivery that clipped the top of Mark Vermeulen’s off stump, announcing his arrival on the international stage.
2. One of Anderson’s most memorable moments came during the 2010/11 Ashes series in Australia. After drawing the first Test in Brisbane, England won the second match at Adelaide, with Anderson dismissing Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, both caught by Graeme Swann at second slip. England won that match by an innings. Anderson finished the series with 24 wickets in five Tests, helping his side clinch the Ashes 3-1.
3. Anderson achieved a memorable feat against India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar during a Test match in Kolkata in 2012. The iconic Eden Gardens, known for its spinner-friendly conditions, set the stage for this encounter. Anderson managed to induce a loose shot by Tendulkar, who edged the ball and a fine low catch was taken by wicketkeeper Matt Prior.
4. Anderson triumphed over former Australia captain Clarke during the Trent Bridge encounter in July 2013. With a masterful wobble-seam delivery, Anderson cleanly dislodged the off stump, dismissing Clarke for a duck. Anderson’s match-winning performance, taking 10 wickets, helped England secure a thrilling victory and retain the Ashes.
5. Former Englan captain Alastair Cook bid farewell to international cricket in a storybook manner, scoring a century in his final innings. Meanwhile, his long-time teammate Anderson etched his name in the record books by surpassing Glenn McGrath of Australia to become the most prolific fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. Anderson achieved this milestone by dismissing Mohammed Shami to seal a comprehensive 4-1 series victory for England. With Shami’s wicket, Anderson’s tally reached an astounding 564 Test wickets, cementing his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers to have ever graced the game.
Here are five exceptional performances, picked by AFP, from the right-hand pacer’s decorated career:
1. Anderson’s debut Test wicket came against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in May 2003, when he was just 20 years old.He produced a superb delivery that clipped the top of Mark Vermeulen’s off stump, announcing his arrival on the international stage.
2. One of Anderson’s most memorable moments came during the 2010/11 Ashes series in Australia. After drawing the first Test in Brisbane, England won the second match at Adelaide, with Anderson dismissing Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, both caught by Graeme Swann at second slip. England won that match by an innings. Anderson finished the series with 24 wickets in five Tests, helping his side clinch the Ashes 3-1.
3. Anderson achieved a memorable feat against India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar during a Test match in Kolkata in 2012. The iconic Eden Gardens, known for its spinner-friendly conditions, set the stage for this encounter. Anderson managed to induce a loose shot by Tendulkar, who edged the ball and a fine low catch was taken by wicketkeeper Matt Prior.
4. Anderson triumphed over former Australia captain Clarke during the Trent Bridge encounter in July 2013. With a masterful wobble-seam delivery, Anderson cleanly dislodged the off stump, dismissing Clarke for a duck. Anderson’s match-winning performance, taking 10 wickets, helped England secure a thrilling victory and retain the Ashes.
5. Former Englan captain Alastair Cook bid farewell to international cricket in a storybook manner, scoring a century in his final innings. Meanwhile, his long-time teammate Anderson etched his name in the record books by surpassing Glenn McGrath of Australia to become the most prolific fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. Anderson achieved this milestone by dismissing Mohammed Shami to seal a comprehensive 4-1 series victory for England. With Shami’s wicket, Anderson’s tally reached an astounding 564 Test wickets, cementing his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers to have ever graced the game.