There is no better feeling, says James Anderson as he bows out of International Cricket

James Anderson bowed out of Test cricket on Friday (July 12) after England's thumping victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord's. England thrashed the visitors by an innings and 114 runs inside three days to take the lead in the three-match series.

After conceding a big lead of 250 runs in the first innings, West Indies resumed day 3 on 79 for 6. They had their back against the wall and the remaining batters did little to delay the inevitable. James Anderson gave England the first breakthrough by dismissing Joshua Da Silva before Gus Atkinson picked up the remaining 3 wickets as West Indies were all out for 136 runs.

The thumping win was a fitting farewell for one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time. James Anderson has retired from Tests as the most successful fast-bowler of all time. He has ended his career with a staggering 704 wickets from 188 Tests with only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne ahead of him in the all-time list.

James Anderson on his career and retirement:

After the game ended, James Anderson opened up about his career and retirement in an interview with his first England captain Nasser Hussain. During the interview, the former England pace spearhead began by talking about the emotional farewell he received from the fans and the players on the final day of the Test.

He further said that he is proud of himself for managing to play in international cricket for more than two decades. James Anderson also spoke about his family and his teammates and explained how their support over the years has played a key role in his career.

Nasser Hussain also asked Anderson about the possibility of playing for Lancashire in county championship. In reply, the 41-year old did not rule out the possibility although he said that he is yet to take a decision on it. Before his last Test, Anderson had turned up for Lancashire and had picked up a 7-wicket haul against Nottinghamshire.

Here's James Anderson's full interview with Nasser Hussain:

Nasser: Your last ball for England, you are done and dusted. What is your overriding emotion?

Anderson: I'm still gutted that I dropped that catch to be honest, but it's been an amazing week and I have been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and the everyone around the ground and the lads as well. Just proud of what we have achieved.

Nasser: You said before the game, it was business as usual, stick to your game, do what you have done for 21 years and try and hold back those tears. Have you been able to do it?

Anderson: Yeah I think. Obviously this morning was quite emotional with two teams lined-up and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. I'm still trying to hold 'em back now, but I think I'm just very proud of playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler. So, I'm just happy that I made it this far and happy that I have been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career and playing for England is the best job in the world and I have been privileged to be able to do it for a long time.

Nasser: Seeing your family here, seeing your daughters ring the bell, seeing the crowd react to every wicket and every near-miss that nearly brought a tear to your eye.

Anderson: Yeah it did. We talk a lot in the dressing room about creating memories and it is not just for us here, it is for our families as well. They go on the journey with you. There's been a lot of time where I have been away from home and touring and stuff like that and they have been incredible support back home and allowed me to play as long as I have. Grateful for what they have done for me and also grateful that they got a chance to be a part of this week as well.

Nasser: This family (talking about the team-mates in the dressing room) in here and the ones you had in an England dressing room, what do they mean to you?

Anderson: I have been lucky to play with some amazing players and some of the most talented cricketers that have ever played the game, but more importantly some really good blokes and some friends I made for life and it is a really special sport I think knowing the sport creates this sort of atmosphere and these sorts of friendships and part of me is a little bit jealous that these lads get to experience that for the next few years. As I said, we got a young team and lots of incredible talent and the advice I pass onto them is just enjoy every moment because it is a great ride.

Nasser: What will you miss the most of being an England cricketer?

Anderson: The feeling that we got now of winning a Test match, there is no better feeling. Everyone's put in the graft this week and I know it looks like we have dominated, but we had to work really hard for this win. Sharing other people's success as well. Gus was amazing this week on debut, Jamie Smith on debut as well. Incredible seeing the lads go out there and show off their talents and then you get into sit in here after the win and celebrate those sorts of performances together is an incredible sort of thing I will definitely miss.

Nasser: And what will be the thing you miss the least?

Anderson: Feeling like I do now. I feel about 55 after the overs that I bowled this week. Aches and pains you wake up with, I think I will miss them. I have been really fortunate to do what I have done for a long time and just happy that I made it this far.

Nasser: A game for Lancashire maybe? Looking down the line to bowl from the Jimmy Anderson end at Old Trafford, is that still a possibility?

Anderson: I have not really thought that far ahead. I'm gonna stick around for the rest of the summer with these guys, try and help the bowling group out as much as I can and we will see where life takes us after that. I have not looked that far ahead.

Nasser: Where were you 21 years ago in this dressing room? And can you believe the journey you have been on?

Anderson: I think I was in the opposite corner to you, to avoid one of your rants. I think I sat over there and gradually sort of gravitated over to this side and this feels like my spot for like 15 years or so. It is incredible to think of the players that were in the dressing room then. How many amazing players I played with over the years, it just been quite surreal thinking about that.