'An Artist Who Understood Pace Bowling Like Few Others': Tributes Pour in as English Seamer James Anderson Calls it a Day

Arguably England’s greatest-ever pacer Jimmy Anderson called it a day as he bowed out of active cricket following England’s win over the West Indies in the first Test of the tour at the Lord’s on Friday.

Anderson added three wickets to his tally in his final innings as England posted a win over the Windies by an innings and 114 runs as they bundled them out for 136 after having established a 250-run lead.

Players and admirers alike took to social media to extend their best wishes to the retiring English seamer after his swansong game at the Lord’s.

Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar led the tributes for the English seamer as the Indian icon shared a post that read, “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.”

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja posted a couple of images from the guard of honour presented to the seamer on his final outing and captioned it, “The Greatest Ever”

Former batter Mohammad Kaif shared an update that read, “The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion.”

The seamer managed to claim north of the seven-hundred wicket mark in 188 Test outings, in a career that lasted over two decades.