Anderson announced his retirement decision in May

England's veteran fast bowler, James Anderson, is set to conclude his illustrious Test career with his 188th match at Lord’s this week against the West Indies. Despite being 41 years old, Anderson believes he is currently bowling as well as ever. However, he acknowledges that retirement was inevitable and has come to terms with the decision.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Anderson reflected, “I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have. 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 completely understand the decision and the way the team and management want to go.”

Anderson leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having claimed 700 wickets in 187 Tests for England, a feat achieved during the final Test against India in Dharamsala in March, making him the third bowler overall and the first fast bowler to reach this milestone.

Addressing questions about his timing, particularly after a strong performance where he took seven wickets for Lancashire last week, Anderson replied, “It’s difficult to say. I’ve not really got a choice,” the seamer responded. “It was important for me that I try and put in some good performances to finish with. I loved being out on the field with Lancashire last week. I’ve always loved playing for Lancashire. I’ve not played a huge amount for them over the last 20 years because of England duties.”

Anderson made public his decision to retire in May after discussions with England’s managing director Rob Key, Test captain Ben Stokes, and coach Brendon McCullum. He admitted that retirement hadn’t crossed his mind before this meeting, where plans for future series, including the Ashes 2025/26, were outlined. Given the management’s strategy, Anderson recognised the timing as appropriate.

Reflecting on his future plans, Anderson remarked, “I hadn’t really thought about it just because as I said I felt as fit as I ever have been in India,” Anderson said. “I thought that playing this summer would be achievable. Obviously, as a senior bowler, you don’t play every Test anyway, you get rested and stuff like that. I thought that was achievable and then thought about stuff after that. That’s the way I’ve always approached it,”