James Anderson announces shock retirement after pressure from Brendon McCullum

England Premier pacer James Anderson has announced his retirement from international cricket. The fast bowler will be his playing his last game, which will be the first game of the the Test series between England and West Indies at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

James Anderson, who made his international debut back in December 2002, will be ending his career in the month of July this year. England will be hosting West Indies for the three-match series, starting from 10th July at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

James Anderson confirmed the development through his social media account. The premier pacer stated that he would miss playing for England and reflected on his 20-year journey for the team. He also talked to his family for their support and added that he will be spending more time in golf. He said:

"Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord's will be my last Test. It's been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game l've loved since I was a kid. I'm going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.

"I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world. I'm excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it's always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn't show it. See you at the Test."

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There were reports recently that stated that England head coach Brendon McCullum traveled from New Zealand to the United Kingdom to personally inform the pacer that the team is looking to build up for the future and hence the fast bowler should announce his retirement.

James Anderson will be getting a fairytale ending as he will be retiring at the ground at which he made his debut. After the reports, it was expected that the pacer would retire after the first Test match against Sri Lanka, which will be played at his home ground, Old Trafford. However, he decided to take the call early.

A look at James Anderson's career

James Anderson will arguably go down as the best pacer in the history of Test cricket. He recently completed 700 wickets in the longest format of the game during the Test series against India. The fast bowler is the third leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game and the highest wicket-taker in terms of fast bowlers.

James Anderson has 700 wickets to his name from 187 matches that he has played for England. He is just 9 wickets away from Shane Warne's tally of 708 wickets and becoming the second leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game.

Apart from Test cricket, James Anderson also represented England in 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is, taking 269 and 18 scalps respectively. His absence will leave a massive void in the England lineup and it remains to be seen who will be a replacement in the team.