James Anderson awarded MCC Honorary Life Membership for his illustrious career with England

Veteran England pace bowler James Anderson received a special award following the conclusion of the first Test match between England and the West Indies. James Anderson was honored with an honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC ) after he retired from international cricket.

James Anderson ended his international cricket career with a win over the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground on Friday, July 12. England defeated the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the series opener. The home team wrapped up the match on Day 3, providing a fitting farewell for the veteran pacer.

The 41-year-old played 188 Test matches for England in his illustrious career spanning over two decades. The right-arm pacer took 704 wickets at an average of 26.46. The recently retired cricketer is the second most-capped Test player behind master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests for India.

Watch - James Anderson Awarded MCC Honorary Life Membership

During the post-match presentation, Marylebone Cricket Club President Mark Nicholas awarded James Anderson an honorary membership. Anderson received a standing ovation from the crowd and teammates, and the video has gone viral on social media.

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The 41-year-old picked up four wickets in the final match of his international cricket career. He took one wicket for 26 runs in the first innings, followed by 3/32 in the second. He became the only fast bowler to bowl more than 40,000 legal deliveries in Test cricket.

Game Will Surely Miss Your Presence - Yuvraj Singh

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise James Anderson for his exceptional career, describing him as "one of its finest craftsmen" in cricket. Singh stated that Anderson's presence on the field will be missed and wished him well for his next chapter.

"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 bowlers of our time," Yuvraj Singh wrote.

"The sight of you running in at full steam, ball in hand, will be dearly missed by all! As you step into the next chapter of your life, I wish you nothing but the best. It’s been a pleasure to share the field with you, and the game will surely miss your presence. Cheers to a phenomenal career Jimmy you #legend #GOAT," he added.

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!

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James Anderson set numerous records throughout his cricket career. He began his Test journey at Lord's in 2003, the same venue where he concluded his career. Anderson retired as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, behind legendary bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).

The second Test of the ongoing three-match series between England and the West Indies will begin at Trent Bridge on Thursday, July 18. Anderson will stay with the team to support and mentor the younger players. England aims to maintain their winning form, while the West Indies will seek to level the series.

Also read: Babar Azam makes a blunder in tribute to James Anderson, Deletes post after backlash from fans on Social Media