England pacer James Anderson announces retirement from Test cricket, to play last match vs West Indies in July

England pacer James Anderson has announced his retirement from Test cricket after a long illustrious career of 20 years. Anderson, in a social media post, announced that he'll play his last Test at Lord's at the beginning of the English summer. Anderson's last Test will be against West Indies from July 10-14.

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Sharing the news, Anderson wrote on his Instagram handle: "Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test. It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling."

"I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf."

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it," he further added.

Anderson made his debut against Zimbabwe in May 2003 and has played 187 Tests - the second most after Sachin Tendulkar's 200 and the most for England. He has 700 Test wickets to his name - the third most overall behind Australia spinner Shane Warne (708) and Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralidaran (800).

Among the pacers, Anderson 700 wickets are the most. He's also second on the list of bowlers with most Test wickets at home with 434 scalps to his name and behind only Muralidaran (493). Among other records, Anderson has 119 Test wickets at the Lord's - the second most for a bowler at a single venue behind Muralidaran's 166 at Colombo.

Anderson has 32 five-wicket hauls to his name - the second most among the pacers in Tests behind New Zealand's Sir Richard Hadlee (36).

In ODIs, Anderson has 269 wickets to his name in 194 games - the most for England. Overall, the veteran England pacer has 987 wickets to his name in international cricket (700 Test + 269 ODIs + 18 T20Is) - the third most behind Muralidaran's 1,347 and Warne's 1001.