"End of an era"- Cricket Greats and Twitter reacts as James Anderson bows out of International Cricket

James Anderson's Test career came to an end on Friday (July 12) with England's innings victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord's. The hosts wrapped up the game in just over two days to take the lead in the three-match series.

Starting the day on 79 for 6 and still trailing by 171 runs, West Indies were bowled out for just 136 runs to lose the game by an innings and 114 runs. James Anderson picked one of the four wickets that fell on day three. He gave England the first breakthrough by dismissing Joshua Da Silva before debutant Gus Atkinson picked up the remaining three wickets to complete his second fifer in the game.

Earlier in the game, West Indies were all out for just 121 runs in the first innings after they were asked to bat first. None of their batters could even touch the 30-run mark during the disappointing batting display. For England, Atkinson starred with the ball, taking 7 wickets for 45 runs in his debut innings.

In reply, England finished their first innings on 371 thanks to half-centuries from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jamie Smith. For West Indies, Jayden Seales picked up 4 wickets while Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie took two wickets apiece.

Tributes pour in for James Anderson:

James Anderson has retired from Tests as one of the greatest pacers of all time. No fast bowler in the history of Test cricket has taken more wickets than him or has played more Tests than him. Only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar has played more Tests than James Anderson.

The 41-year-old has retired from Tests with a staggering 704 wickets from a record 188 Tests. Only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have more wickets than him in the longest format of the game. Anderson was the first pacer to 600 wickets and is now the only pacer with 700 wickets in red-ball cricket.

And as James Anderson's legendary career came to an end, tributes poured in from all quarters. Cricketers, past and present, and fans gave the England legend a fitting tribute on his final day as a Test cricketer.

Here are some of the reactions to James Anderson's retirement:

Congratulations on an amazing career @Jimmy9 … your endurance, passion and commitment were always next level, your ability to take wickets was second to none… like your 114 not outs as a batter you will remain not out in our hearts… best wishes for whatever you do in future.…

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 12, 2024

Congratulations to Jimmy Anderson on a stellar career! Wishing you a happy retirement, you're a true legend. 👏🏾✊✊ pic.twitter.com/VKqCZAHhef

— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) July 12, 2024

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… pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024

It’s not every day that an athlete like James Anderson comes along. As you hang your boots, world cricket loses one of its finest craftsmen!

Your ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with accuracy and sheer hard work has set you apart as one of the greatest pace… pic.twitter.com/RNjkm4cRV6

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 12, 2024

Bowled, Jimmy! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/Uld2lmV2BD

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) July 12, 2024

Happy retirement. ❤️ There was a swing bowling master class every time he bowled! #AnAbsoluteLegend https://t.co/a45cEgBMNY

— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) July 12, 2024

Huge respect to @jimmy9 on an amazing test career 🫡 You were a beast on the pitch, always keeping the batters on their toes, 704 wickets is insane 🚀 Congrats on an incredible journey bhai. You'll be missed🫶🏽#IamGAME #JamesAnderson #TestCricket #Legend pic.twitter.com/qJTgTV0OOy

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) July 12, 2024

The English Sultan of Swing has retired. An artist who understood pace bowling like few others. Jimmy Anderson, you have been a champion. pic.twitter.com/vQPtZaFiN5

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2024