Ben Stokes, the captain of England, responded touchingly when James Anderson chose to spend his retirement day playing cricket with his children. On Friday, July 12, after England defeated the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs at Lord’s in the first Test, Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket. Anderson finished the game with four wickets taken, placing him second only to Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne in terms of career scalp totals of 704 runs.
A Heartwarming Farewell to James
Anderson decided to spend some time with his teammates’ kids after enjoying his retirement with the squad. Following the game, a video of Anderson gently bowling to the children went viral. Then Stokes would disclose that his son had played some neat fielding and that his daughter was up against Anderson. Stokes added that although his children might not understand the magnitude of this event now, they will in the future.
“My daughter batting and my son doing the fielding, they got no idea but one day they will @jimmy9,” Stokes stated on X.
Jimmy Anderson bowls to kids on the Lord’s outfield after his final Test match ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nF2G0wCiZO
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 12, 2024
Despite his illustrious career, Anderson was a little disappointed that he was unable to retire in style. Gudakesh Motie shot the ball straight at the pacer for a return catch, allowing the bowler to take the game’s last wicket, but he dropped it.
Pride in Achievements
“To be honest, I’m still devastated that I missed that catch, but this week has been incredible, and the crowd’s response has moved me and that of everyone else on the field and the boys. Just happy with our accomplishments,” Anderson remarked following the match.
In addition, Anderson took great pride in his accomplishments with the England team, which included winning series in Australia and India. Anderson is anticipated to integrate with the England team’s coaching staff after retirement.