After an illustrious 21-year journey marked by excellence on the cricket field, James Anderson, one of England's finest bowlers, is preparing to bid farewell to Test cricket. The 41-year-old stalwart will grace the hallowed grounds of Lord's for his final Test match against the West Indies, a poignant moment set to unfold on July 10th. While a part of Anderson yearns to extend his remarkable career for another decade, he acknowledges the inevitability of passing the torch to the next generation. Since his Test debut in 2003 at the tender age of 20, Anderson has epitomized the essence of English cricket, etching his name in the annals of sporting history. His unprecedented feat of claiming 700 Test wickets stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill and enduring legacy, surpassing every other pace bowler in the sport's chronicles.

Anderson's mastery with the red ball remains unparalleled, characterized by his ability to seam and swing it both ways with finesse, even in the twilight years of his career. With just eight more wickets, he stands poised to equal the legendary Shane Warne's record for the second-highest wicket-taker of all time, a testament to his enduring dominance and unwavering commitment to the game. As Anderson prepares to bid adieu to the Test arena, his departure leaves an irreplaceable void, yet his contributions will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

"In my head, I feel like I could play for 10 years. I realize that is not realistic. Some days I wake up and wish I was not retiring. Ninety per cent of the time I’m happy with it. Not many people in sports get the chance to retire over the age of 40. I'm happy I've made it this far," he said on the Tailenders podcast.

Anderson explained that the decision to retire was constantly running through his mind due to outside noise. He revealed that the rumours about his future were a major talking point in the latter part of his career.

"There's been two or three moments on the field, if the opposition are 500-3, I'll be thinking, 'do I want to still be doing this?' They are fleeting thoughts, nothing that has stuck with me for more than an over," Anderson added.