James Anderson’s last Test match is going smoothly, and the 42-year-old plans to retire after the first Test between England and West Indies at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The West Indies team wanted to honor Anderson with a guard of honour when he came to bat during England’s first innings, but they missed the opportunity because they were too excited. This might have been the last time Anderson played for England in international cricket, but the West Indies team didn’t get to show their respect to him.
It’s a tradition for the team in the field to line up and clap when a famous player from the other team is coming out to bat for the last time in a big match. But the West Indies team was really excited and happy after getting Shoaib Bashir out. Mikyle Louis did a great job by throwing the ball directly to the wicket, which got Bashir out. The team was cheering for this amazing throw, and at the same time, Anderson came onto the field. The old captain of the West Indies, Jason Holder, was there to welcome Anderson and shook his hand.
“We talked about it,” mentioned Jayden Seales, the West Indies bowler, “but the run-out led us all the way to Swiss Cottage, so it was quite difficult to give the great man a guard of honour. Luckily, Jason managed to catch up with him.”
Anderson also missed the chance to match Stuart Broad’s achievement, who hit a six with his last ball in Test cricket. Anderson had to leave the field without facing any balls because Jamie Smith was caught in the outfield, becoming the final player to be dismissed.
“I’m a bit upset I couldn’t hit one more six to give him his moment,” Smith commented. “That’s the one thing I regret about that innings, I believe.”
