Sachin Tendulkar pens heartfelt note for England’s greatest seamer James Anderson on his retirement

From one cricket veteran to another – two prolific performers in their respective domains, batter Sachin Tendulkar and seamer James Anderson, hugely admire each other. On the retirement of England’s great and perhaps the most successful seamer in Tests, Anderson, Sachin penned a heartfelt note on his social media handles, wishing Anderson good luck for his future endeavours while appreciating his longevity.

While Sachin played international cricket for 24 years, Anderson’s glorious career lasted 21 years, having made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 at the Lord’s.

ALSO READ:James Anderson ends Test career with 704 wickets as England thrash West Indies at Lord’s

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On Friday (July 12), the third day of the first Test against West Indies at the same venue, Anderson said goodbye to fans worldwide, returning with four wickets in the match, including three in the second innings.

With four wickets left to pick before the start of play on day three, Anderson removed Joshua de Silva before Player of the Match Gus Atkinson bagged the remaining three to finish with 12 wickets in his debut Test.

Taking to his social media handle X, Sachin wrote, “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 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.”

'Sachin was the best batter I faced':Anderson

Ahead of the second day’s play in London, Anderson, during a chat with Sky Sports, revealed why Sachin was the best batter he bowled to in his life.

Although Anderson has removed Tendulkar mostly (ninetimes) in Tests, he admits with Sachin at the crease, he didn’t have a plan; instead, used to think that he could not bowl a bad ball to the India great.

"The best batter, I would have to say, is Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson said during a chat with Sky Sports.

“I don’t remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player. He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere, in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket,” Anderson continued.

“You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he misses a straight one. In England, he might nick the odd one, but generally, I’d try and get him out LBW early. I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot,” Anderson added.

Meanwhile, Anderson ended his Test career with 704 wickets in 188 Tests.

(With inputs from agencies)